Four MBU Alumni Honored During Homecoming Week Awards Ceremony
Missouri Baptist University presented four prestigious alumni awards and honored one student during a ceremony held as part of the University’s Homecoming Week festivities on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The University selected these individuals out of more than 15,000 alumni, recognizing their excellence in vocation and service.
Ryan J. Krupp (’15) received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award for his qualities of leadership and service. Krupp is a trial attorney at Krupp Law Firm and focuses his practice primarily on personal injury, wrongful death and criminal defense cases. Krupp serves as chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and he recently appeared on an episode of “Dr. Phil” highlighting Missouri’s “Stand Your Ground” law.
Dr. Daryl S. Diggs Jr. (’10) received this year’s Vocational Excellence Award for outstanding achievements in the educational leadership field. Dr. Diggs is an experienced educational leader dedicated to equity, student achievement and mentorship. Through his journey in advocacy, he co-founded several organizations that connect educators to intentional support and gainful employment. Currently, Dr. Diggs is the executive director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility for the Special School District of St. Louis County.
The Service to the University Award honored José Silva (’06) for his work furthering the mission of the University. An Air Force veteran of 17 years, Silva serves as a Master Sergeant in the Illinois Air National Guard. As the vice president of the Missouri Baptist University Alumni Council, he actively fosters connections and supports the growth of alumni and current students alike. A champion of mentorship, Silva played a pivotal role in establishing MBU’s student and alumni mentorship program, creating invaluable opportunities for personal and professional development. Additionally, he organizes an annual “Night of Excellence” event, where MBU Fine Arts students and alumni experience the richness the St. Louis art scene.
Dr. Nisha Patel (’09) received the Distinguished Alumna Award for her outstanding professional achievement, community service and personal excellence. Dr. Patel’s belief in the transformative power of education is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Kenya. At the age of nine, her family moved to the United States in pursuit of better educational opportunities, understanding that education is the foundation for success. With experience as a classroom teacher, Dr. Patel is now in her fourth year as superintendent of the School District of Clayton, where she continues to lead with a focus on the power of transformative education.
Finally, current MBU nursing senior Avyrie Hamstra received the Mission in Action Award for reflecting the mission and core values of the University. In 2023, Hamstra assisted refugees in Greece, where she plans to return at the end of this year. She also recently travelled to Liberia to teach midwives life-saving CPR skills for infants. After graduation, she hopes to work in emergency medicine and continue to pursue medical missions.
Missouri Baptist University recognizes the achievements of its graduates each year during the Alumni Awards ceremony. Nominations for award recipients come from the ever-growing pool of MBU alumni. The ceremony is held in the iconic Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center, located on the University’s main campus in West St. Louis County.
