April 27, 2026
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Photos courtesy of Scott Schaefer
The University of Missouri recently honored four exceptional alumni with the Jefferson Club Golden Quill Alumni Excellence Award and introduced the inaugural Mizzou Philanthropy Award. The awards recognize leadership, service and the vital role of philanthropy in advancing the university’s mission and impact on communities across Missouri and beyond.
“These honors celebrate the remarkable professional achievements and spirit of service that define Mizzou alumni around the world,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Our recipients reflect the enduring value of a Mizzou education and the contributions our alumni make across their professions and in their communities.”
Presented by the Jefferson Club, Mizzou’s leadership giving society, the Golden Quill Alumni Excellence Award recognizes alumni whose accomplishments and service exemplify the university’s core values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence. Recipients are selected through nominations from the Mizzou community.
“By recognizing alumni who strengthen their communities, the Golden Quill Alumni Excellence Award highlights the lasting influence of a University of Missouri education,” said Cheryl Lalumandier, BJ ’90, chair of the Jefferson Club Board of Trustees and a retired realtor living in Estero, Florida. “Their accomplishments inspire us, and we are proud to celebrate the difference they make.”
Golden Quill Alumni Excellence Award recipients
Jodi Cobb is one of the most accomplished photographers of the past half-century, with a 30-year career at National Geographic, where she remains the only woman to hold the title of staff field photographer. Reporting from more than 75 countries, her work has illuminated cultures, resilience and injustice, earning top honors across journalism. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the Missouri School of Journalism.
Charles Harbert is a pioneering pharmaceutical scientist whose work has improved the lives of millions of people worldwide. During a distinguished career at Pfizer, he helped lead the discovery of Zoloft and contributed to more than 30 pharmaceutical patents. He holds a doctorate in organic chemistry from Mizzou.
Rich Kinder is co-founder and executive chairman of Kinder Morgan, one of North America’s largest energy infrastructure companies. Alongside his wife, Nancy, he established the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy at Mizzou and has been deeply committed to philanthropy and civic investment. He earned a bachelor’s and a law degree from the institution.
Ed Rapp is a former Caterpillar group president whose leadership and philanthropy have made a global impact. Following his ALS diagnosis, he founded Stay Strong vs. ALS, directing more than $24 million toward research and patient support. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Mizzou.
The names of this year’s recipients will be added to the list of distinguished alumni displayed in Jesse Hall.
Introducing the Mizzou Philanthropy Award
New this year, the Mizzou Philanthropy Award was created to recognize the foundational role of giving in advancing the university’s mission. Inspired by the 900 families whose generosity helped establish the University of Missouri as the first public university west of the Mississippi River, the award honors donors, alumni and friends whose sustained support advances the institution’s mission and global impact.
The inaugural award was presented to Audrey and Don Walsworth Sr., supporters of Mizzou and champions of education and community impact.
“Philanthropy has been central to Mizzou’s story since its founding and continues to shape its future nearly two centuries later,” Chris Smith, vice chancellor for advancement, said. “Through their sustained generosity, Audrey and Don Walsworth uniquely exemplify the spirit of giving that expands opportunity, strengthens this university and creates lasting impact for generations of Tigers.”
The Walsworths’ leadership and philanthropy have empowered the university’s impact across the state and beyond. Don Walsworth Sr., BS Ed ’57, is CEO and chairman of the board of Walsworth, a global commercial printing company founded in Marceline, Missouri, regarded as a leader in yearbook publishing. A member of the Mizzou Hall of Fame, he has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles, including as chair of the University of Missouri System Board of Curators, and received an honorary degree in 2024. A global traveler, Audrey Walsworth, BJ ’56, is among a small number of women who have traveled to every country and territory.
Together, the couple have supported Mizzou Athletics and initiatives that advance student success, international study programs and faculty excellence. Their commitment reflects a strong belief in Mizzou as a driver of economic growth, workforce development and opportunity in Missouri — and the role philanthropy plays in shaping its future.
