Graceland University Professor of Information Technology and Golf Coach Awarded Citizen of the Year

Kevin Brunner, PhD, Professor of Information Technology for Graceland University’s Division of Science and Math was awarded the City of Lamoni’s 2019 Citizen of the Year at the annual Lamoni Area Chamber of Commerce Gala Tuesday, March 5.

Brunner was recognized for his life of service to others. For two decades, he has impacted the Lamoni and Graceland communities in a positive way; he has been a positive influence on the lives of many residents of the city and students of the university.

The deep-rooted love for his alma mater and passion for the success of young people drove Brunner to accept a teaching position at Graceland and leave a lucrative corporate position in the Kansas City area some 20 years ago.

On presenting the award to Brunner, it was read from his nomination, “He has earned the respect of the Graceland University community and has served in a wide variety of roles that continue to impact the students on a daily basis.”

Along with his current responsibilities as professor, Ackerley Scholars’ program director and varsity coach for both the men’s and women’s golf teams for Graceland, Brunner has served on and chaired multiple committees, served as peer-elected faculty chair, sponsored a summer youth golf camp at the Lamoni Golf and Country Club, and overseen annual summer science camps. He has also organized and executed an elementary basketball fundraiser each winter for surrounding communities that has brought thousands of children and their families to the Lamoni area over the past 15 years.

In addition, Brunner previously served as both boys’ and girls’ assistant basketball coach for Lamoni High School, which led him to the role of head coach for the girls’ team for a time. “His success has been measured on and off the court, as he deeply cares for the development of the athlete as a whole,” described Brunner in his nomination submission.

Brunner also possesses a fervent commitment to Community of Christ, Graceland’s sponsoring church, where he has served in the capacity of pastor or co-pastor of the congregation in Bloomington, Iowa, for many years – more testament that he lives a life of servitude.

The presentation of Citizen of the Year ended with a statement read by Alysha Van Laar, “It is truly a blessing to our community to have people dedicated to the success of its members, including those who walk the campus of Graceland University. He has left a positive impression on thousands of students, athletes, co-workers, kids and adults of all ages – even strangers.”