Alumni Features
Read about our alumni featured below:
Rev. William “Bill” Luce ’48
Jayme Coon ’23
Ferdinand "Jack" Bates Jr. ’57
Tavarus Pennington ’22
Allison Park ’09
Celebrating 99 Years: The Life and Legacy of Rev. William Luce ’48
At 99 years old, Rev. William “Bill” Luce ’48 has nearly a century of memories, service, family and faith to reflect upon. Born Sept. 2, 1927, Bill spent his life embracing each day with curiosity and a strong sense of purpose.
A history major at William Jewell College, Bill looks back on his time on campus with fondness. One of his favorite memories is the excitement that came with the start of a new fall semester.
“I enjoyed everything about it — new classes, seeing old friends and meeting new friends,” he recalls. “And the autumn on campus was beautiful. It was an exciting time.”
Bill also remembers the professors who made his Jewell education memorable, particularly philosophy professor Dr. Leonard Duce, a Yale graduate whom Bill describes as a brilliant and gifted communicator. “He made philosophical questions understandable!” Bill says.
After graduating from Jewell, Bill earned a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist College in 1950 and went on to serve his country as a chaplain in the United States Air Force for 25 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He later earned a master’s degree in history from Missouri State University.
Family has remained one of the greatest joys of his life. Bill and his wife, Mona Harris, whom he met at church and who also attended Jewell, were married for 72 years. Together, they raised four children: sons Mark, Paul, and Andrew and daughter Carolyn Reeder. Mark graduated from Jewell in 1971 and grandson Joshua Rogers in 2007. Son Paul and grandson Matthew also attended Jewell.
In his later years, Bill developed a passion for genealogy and family research. His research revealed he is a descendant of three Pilgrim fathers: John Alden, Francis Cooke, and Richard Warren. His ancestry also includes Major General John Sullivan, who helped lead Continental troops along with George Washington during the Battle of Trenton in 1776. “I have some illustrious ancestry!”
When asked what advice has carried him through nearly a century, Bill keeps it simple: “Live one day at a time and face things as they come with faith and courage, and everything will come out in the wash.”
Reflecting on Jewell, Bill has just one simple sentiment: “I had a wonderful time at Jewell. I’m glad I went to school there!”
The Jewell Experience, Put to Work: Jayme Coon ’23
For Jayme Coon ’23, her William Jewell College experience was about more than earning a degree. It was about building lasting relationships, challenging herself academically and developing the skills and confidence that would shape her professional life.
Jayme chose Jewell because she could continue playing soccer while pursuing an education that felt intentional and distinctive. “The small class sizes, dedicated professors and challenging coursework meant I was never just a number,” she says. “The perspective you gain at a small liberal arts college is something I don’t think I could have found anywhere else.”
At Jewell, Jayme studied economics and history, played soccer and was a member of Delta Zeta. While she has countless fond memories of her college years, the relationships she built stand out most. The friendships she formed through soccer and Delta Zeta have continued well beyond graduation and remain some of the most lasting gifts of her Jewell experience.
Her academic experience was equally influential. Studying economics and history in a rigorous liberal arts environment sharpened her ability to think critically, while the Pryor Leadership Program helped shape how she leads and approaches problems in her everyday life.
After graduating, Jayme began her career as an Analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. As she approaches her four-year anniversary, she can see the impact of her Jewell education in her work every day.
“Critical thinking, problem-solving and relationship building are all central to my Analyst role, and I lean on them every day,” she says. “The academic rigor that Jewell provided taught me to look for patterns, understand context and challenge the process by always asking ‘why’ rather than accepting things at face value.”
Those skills continue to serve Jayme as she grows in her career, just as the relationships and experiences she gained at Jewell remain an important part of her life.
“I’m truly grateful for my experience at Jewell,” she says. “It shaped who I am and gave me the skills, relationships and confidence to excel in my career. I wouldn’t trade my time there and will cherish the memories and learnings Jewell gave me forever.”
Since graduating, Jayme has also begun a new chapter in her personal life, marrying Tanner Yeisley last fall. Jayme’s journey is a great example of how a Jewell education can provide a strong foundation for whatever comes next.
From The Hill to a Lifetime of Opportunity: Ferdinand "Jack" Bates Jr. ’57
For Ferdinand "Jack" Bates Jr. ’57, the Jewell experience didn't end at graduation. The friendships, mentors and experiences he had on The Hill shaped the course of his life, inspiring a lifelong connection to the College and a desire to help students create their own Jewell stories.
Now 91, Jack looks back on his years at Jewell with deep appreciation. Among his favorite memories are the days he spent playing clarinet in the pep band, traveling with fellow students to basketball games. Those long bus rides, school spirit and lifelong friendships became memories he still treasures today.
Jewell also launched the career that would define much of Jack’s professional life. He credits Dr. Frank Edson, chair of the chemistry department, with introducing him to industrial chemistry and helping him secure his first job. “I had a really wonderful career building on what I learned at Jewell,” Jack shared. That opportunity eventually led Jack to Alcoa, where he worked alongside Jewell alumni on a project many people know well today — helping develop the first aluminum can for Anheuser-Busch.
For Jack, supporting Jewell is about ensuring today’s students have access to the same life-changing foundation he received. “I want to help people have the opportunities I had,” Jack said. “Jewell invests so much in its students. It’s important to keep that going.”
Reflecting on his journey, Jack says the people he encountered at Jewell shaped so much of what followed. “The professors and my friends at Jewell made all the difference. They helped me get jobs and were the foundation of my professional network. And wow, did we also have some fun.” In fact, Jack says he would never have met his wife, Mary Kay, of 60 years without the path Jewell set him on.
After a lifetime of friendships, career success and opportunities made possible through his Jewell experience, Jack continues to give back so today's students can build stories of their own on The Hill.
Photo: Jack holding one of the early Anheuser-Busch cans he worked on.
From Student to Strategist: Tavarus Pennington ’22
Within a few years of graduating from William Jewell College, Tavarus Pennington ’22 is already making an impressive mark in the communications industry. Graduating with degrees in communication and English, Tavarus began his professional journey at Parris Communications in Kansas City as an intern. Through hard work and dedication, he quickly advanced within the organization and, in September 2025, earned a promotion to senior account executive.
Tavarus credits much of his early success to the experiences and opportunities he found at Jewell. During his time on The Hill, he was drawn to the freedom to fully explore his interests. As a member of the debate team and an engaged student leader, he found opportunities that prepared him well for life after graduation. Today, his rapid career growth is a testament to how a Jewell education helps graduates lead with purpose and confidence.
Tavarus isn’t all work. Outside of Parris Communications, he enjoys spending time with his fiancé, Claire, and their two cats, Noodle and Slinky. You might find them on the slopes in Colorado, and they’re big fans of going to the movies—often catching a film once or twice a week.
Reflecting on his experience at Jewell, Tavarus shares: “Jewell offers all the benefits of a community-first experience. Knowing your neighbor isn't the exception on the Hill; it's the fulcrum of a Jewell degree. The lessons I learned navigating and directing my student experience are something I've always valued, shaping how I engage with every community I've been part of since.”
Photo from left to right, Roshann Parris (Founder & CEO), Tavarus, Kelly Cooper (President), and Laurie Roberts (Senior Advisor and retired President).
Creating Spaces to Thrive: Allison Park ’09
For Allison Park ’09, creating spaces where people can thrive isn’t just a career—it’s a calling rooted in curiosity, collaboration and growth.
As vice president of sales for a commercial furniture and interiors dealership, Allison helps organizations design environments where employees spend much of their day. From offices to collaborative workspaces, her work focuses on shaping places that help people feel inspired and supported. She also gives her time and leadership back to her alma mater as a member of William Jewell’s Alumni Board of Governors.
“I love getting to shape spaces where individuals can feel well, find purpose and reach their goals,” Allison says. “Knowing the environments we create can make someone’s workday more inspiring or supportive is incredibly meaningful.”
Just as impactful as the work itself is the team she collaborates with every day. “We trust and respect each other, and we genuinely enjoy building something together. That partnership is a big part of why I love what I do.”
Allison’s leadership style was shaped long before her professional career began. Growing up with a sister and no brothers, her parents instilled a clear message: she could do anything boys could do—and excel at it. Her grandmother offered a complementary perspective that continues to guide her today.
“She taught me to move through the world with poise, treat people with compassion and stay ambitious without losing kindness,” Allison says. “Real strength isn’t about stepping on others to get ahead—it’s about lifting people up and helping them reach their goals.”
Allison credits William Jewell’s Critical Thought curriculum with helping her develop the mindset that launched her professional success. Learning to think deeply, ask hard questions and approach problems creatively opened doors early in her career to opportunities far beyond what was expected.
“Jewell pushed me to think bigger and develop a problem-solving mindset that became the foundation of my career,” she says. “It taught me that asking what’s next is just as important as finding the answer in front of you.”
While her career continues to flourish, Allison says her proudest accomplishment is personal.