Bill Ricketts ’71, first photo, and Camille Curtis Ricketts ’65, second photo, converse at the Leadership Societies Dinner.
photos by Cameron Lowe
Drury University recently hosted its Leadership Societies Dinner, celebrating the generosity and impact of members of the Drury Society, Founder’s Society, and President’s Society. The Drury Society honors donors whose lifetime giving totals $100,000 or more; the Founder’s Society recognizes those who have made a planned gift to Drury through their estate, insurance, or other legacy commitments; and the President’s Society celebrates annual donors who contribute $2,500 or more in the previous fiscal year. Student speaker Savannah Belko shared how Drury’s donors have profoundly shaped her student experience and the lives of countless others.
Drury’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted their annual Trunk or Treat in the O’Reilly Family Event Center on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The event was open to the public and was attended by close to 200 guests. Drury athletes from each of our 30 athletic teams set up game stations, passed out candy, and enjoyed teaching the visiting kids about their respective sports. This is a fun community outreach event for both our Drury athletes and our visitors and continues to grow each year.

Elected to the Alumni Council in 2019, Caron Parnell ’99 has now been elected President.
photos by Cameron Lowe
Built in 1966 and originally named Smith Hall, Lydy Suites received a much needed facelift in 2024. The newly remodeled and refurbished building currently houses more than 150 students in traditional suite-style arrangements. It is also the only residential building with a community kitchen.
PUBLISHER
Drury University
Dr. Jeff Frederick, President
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Levi Costello
WRITER / EDITOR
Rex Ybañez
DESIGNER
Janet Rock
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Cris Belvin
DIGITAL DESIGNER
Max Prater ’17
PANTHER TRACKS EDITOR
Kayla Warner ’21 MComm ’23
Drury Magazine, a publication for alumni and friends of Drury University, is published twice each year. The mission of Drury Magazine is to engage readers in the life of the university, reflect the university’s values and capture the intellectual curiosity and distinct community that is Drury.
The views presented do not necessarily reflect or represent those of the editors or the official policies of Drury University.
Share your thoughts with us: editor@drury.edu
Drury Fusion™ is a registered trademark of Drury University.