By Steve Adams
Feb. 18, 2026
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Four alumni who have advanced the University of Missouri at state, local and national levels received the Mizzou Alumni Association’s Henry S. Geyer Award. The honor recognizes public officials and citizens who positively impact higher education and, specifically, Mizzou.
This year’s recipients are: Drew Dampf, BS ’13; U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, BS Ag ’86; Richard Miller, BA ’70; and Chuck Brazeale, BS Ag ’57, who received special posthumous recognition. Named for former Missouri state Rep. Henry S. Geyer, author of the 1839 bill that established the University of Missouri, the awards were presented during a recent event at the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City.
“Mizzou strengthens communities, fuels economic growth and prepares the workforce that drives our state forward,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “We are grateful for the contributions of these outstanding alumni who have made significant impact to our communities, our state and the nation.”
“These honorees represent the best of Mizzou alumni — leaders who are deeply engaged, highly respected and committed to moving the university forward,” Todd McCubbin, executive director of the Mizzou Alumni Association, said. “Their leadership and service have strengthened Mizzou’s presence and relevance across the state and beyond.”
Dampf serves as legislative director for Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, guiding policy priorities, campaign strategy and caucus operations. He has helped advance major initiatives supporting Missouri’s future, including funding for NextGen MURR, NextGen Precision Health and statewide MU Extension programming.
Graves has represented Missouri’s 6th District since 2001 and chairs the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. A sixth-generation farmer, he has championed agricultural research, MU Extension and federal funding for key projects, including the Northern Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center.
Miller is chief executive officer of Miller’s Professional Imaging and Mpix.com, the nation’s largest professional photo lab. A founding member of the Missouri Flagship Council, he has spent more than two decades educating legislators about Mizzou’s statewide impact and has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles, including as a Power the Roar campaign committee member and as tri-chair of the Mizzou: Our Time to Lead campaign cabinet .
Brazeale was a longstanding legislative advocate on behalf of Mizzou’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. A U.S. Army veteran and former president of TPNB Bank, he dedicated decades of service to the university, including serving on the Missouri Flagship Council, where he was board chair for two terms.
