Local businessman honored with honorary doctorate from Culver-Stockton College

CANTON, MO (05/13/2013)(readMedia)-- During the one hundred and fifty-seventh Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for May 18, 2013, Culver-Stockton College is recognizing two individuals for their decades of service and commitment to the College and its mission. Ron Leftwich, from Elsberry, Mo. and currently living in Houston, Texas, and Larry Gorrell of Quincy, Ill., are both receiving Doctor of Humane Letters Degree, Honoris Causa. Leftwich and Gorrell are longtime trustees for C-SC, and both have worked tirelessly to advance the mission of the College.

"Both Ron and Larry's long tenure and many years outstanding service and active participation, at Culver-Stockton College and in their personal communities, make them very worthy of this honor," said College President Richard Valentine. "Many have greatly benefited from their service, and we could think of no better individuals for this honor."

Ron Leftwich graduated from Culver-Stockton in 1964 with his Bachelor of Science in business administration. Seven days after graduation, he began working at Shell Oil Company. He worked there for the duration of his career, retiring in 2002 as the company's treasurer. Leftwich was elected to the Culver-Stockton board of trustees in 1990, and is currently the board chairman. He serves on many committees for the board, including sitting as chair of the executive committee and the former chair of the finance committee. He also serves on the academic affairs committee. Leftwich is a dedicated serviceman, volunteering for more than a decade with both Junior Achievement and the United Way.

"I am beyond honored and completely humbled and surprised," said Leftwich. "All I am trying to do is give back to the college that gave so much to me."

Larry Gorrell graduated from Culver-Stockton in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and finance. Gorrell is first vice president of the Investment Office for Wells Fargo Advisors in Quincy, Ill. Gorrell was elected to the Culver-Stockton board of trustees in 1984 and is currently the board vice chairman. Gorrell sits on multiple committees for the board, including chairing the investment committee and the trusteeship committee. He also sits on the audit committee, the executive committee and the finance committee. Gorrell also served on the alumni board, acting as alumni board president for two years. Gorrell is very active within the Quincy community and has acted as treasurer for Quincy School District #172, as well as director of the Quincy Symphony Orchestra.

"I was surprised and honored to be inducted into such an illustrious set of individuals," said Gorrell. "It is an honor to serve with all the people who have Culver-Stockton College as a top priority and who hold it close to their hearts."

These are the first honorary degrees awarded by Culver-Stockton since 2011. Others to have been recognized by Culver-Stockton with honorary degrees include radio journalist Paul Harvey, philanthropist Gladys Crown, poet Gwendolyn Brooks, former Culver-Stockton president Robert W. Brown and local businessman Don Gnuse.

The Culver-Stockton College Commencement Ceremony will take place on the lawn of the Quadrangle (adjacent to Henderson Hall). In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Joe Charles Field House. Seating will begin at 7:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are not required for commencement. The speaker for this year's ceremony is Dr. Lee Hammer, retiring professor of English. Additional information about the commencement ceremonies for graduates and guests is available at www.culver.edu/commencement.