Alumni Awards

Rebecca McClanahan, MS(N) ’82, has advanced nursing in Missouri as an educator, advocate and legislator. A longtime Truman State University faculty member, she shaped generations of nurses through innovative teaching. As a past president of the Missouri Nurses Association and former chair of its political action committee and as a former Missouri state representative, she championed nurse-friendly policy and strengthened the profession’s voice in public service.

Sarah Muegge, BSN ’75, MS(N) ’08, built a career advancing evidence-based practice, quality improvement and staff education in physical medicine and rehabilitation, medical-surgical and ambulatory care. During 37 years at CoxHealth, she shaped nursing culture, strengthened patient care standards and mentored generations of nurses through her leadership. Returning from retirement to serve during COVID-19 as a contact tracer and vaccinator reflects her lifelong commitment to professional excellence, service and community well-being.

Chuka Nestor Emezue, PhD ’21, is an assistant professor at Rush University College of Nursing, teaching PhD/DNP students and leading research on youth behavioral health and firearm violence prevention. Founder of BrotherlyACT and co-developer of FatherlyACT, he applies digital interventions to support urban black male youth. Awarded the John L. & Helen Kellogg Endowed Faculty Scholar, he advances health equity through scholarship and community engagement.

Lori Penner Young, BSN ’85, serves as volunteer medical coordinator for Project HOPE, leading international medical missions in Nicaragua and Haiti. She manages logistics, recruits health care providers and delivers hands-on care, health education and advocacy for underserved populations. A devoted nurse, mentor and servant leader, she combines clinical skill, compassion and faith to transform global communities and individual lives.

Alice Kuehn, PhD, RN, retired as an associate professor emerita from Sinclair School of Nursing, where she promoted culturally competent nursing and international collaboration across North America. She led a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant on differentiated nursing practice and fostered partnerships among students, faculty and communities. As a parish nurse, she provides education, wellness programs and compassionate care to support community health and faith-based service.

Maria McDaniel Heyssel was part of the 1956 class of the MU School of Nursing and has remained a lifelong champion of nursing and education. Her career reflects service and leadership across health care education, international medical collaboration and the public humanities. She coordinated major international medical meetings and served as executive director of a statewide humanities and public policy organization in Maryland. A longtime supporter of the Sinclair School of Nursing, Maria continues to celebrate its progress and impact.