The University of Central Missouri was founded in 1871 and has created long-lasting memories for its students. UCM alumni thrive after graduation, going into different fields and experiencing different parts of life when at one point they were all in the same place.
Alumni look back on their time at UCM and reflect on their experiences, growth and how it affected their future.
Tracy Beebe-Palmer attended UCM from 1989 to 1994. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and business administration. Palmer celebrated 25 years with T-Mobile in October of this year. She serves as the Vice President for T-Studios, the in-house creative and production studio that Palmer founded in 2016.
Brian Thomas Smith attended the University of Central Missouri from 1995 to 2000. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in film and broadcasting. Smith has been an actor for the last 20 years in Los Angeles. One of his most notable roles is the character Zach on the popular sitcom, “The Big Bang Theory.”
Brett Ginn attended UCM from 2007 to 2012, earning his master’s degree and MBA, both in finance. Currently, Ginn is a financial advisor and has resided in Texas for the last 10 years.
The alumni participated in a variety of activities during their time at UCM that pushed them toward their goals, whether it was a job or the life skills they gained.
Palmer was an active member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and was a cheerleader for the Central Missouri Cheer Team. Palmer enjoyed cheerleading all four years of high school and started cheerleading during the Mules Basketball season in her freshman year of college.
“The thing that I loved about cheerleading was actually leading the crowd. Being at a game, getting people to yell ‘defense’ or getting the crowd to say ‘go Mules’ when we were cheering on our team,” Palmer said.
Smith’s experience of acting in high school plays caused him to develop the urge to pursue acting, particularly in theater settings. At UCM, Smith did many one-act plays and one main stage play, and enjoyed every single one.
“My favorite role was a main stage play called ‘Stanton’s Garage’ where I played Denny, a mechanic with vertigo,” Smith said. Smith loved playing Denny because it offered a comedic style.
Ginn was the president of the Student Finance Association, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of the Central Missouri Mules Football team.
“Being the president of SFA, we started the student management investment fund and overall the finance curriculum was done really well. It was a lot of real-world experience, stuff I do on a daily basis as an advisor,” Ginn said.
The alumni did not find success on their own. Throughout their time, they connected with their professors and mentors to help them with not only their studies but their lives.
Palmer surrounded herself with the UCM Athletic Department during her time in college. When she needed support, not only were both former football coaches Terry Noland and Jerry Hughes there for her, but the whole cheerleading squad supported her as well.
“Coach Noland was so good to all of us. He included our cheerleading team and did so much. Jerry Hughes always made us feel just as important, like the other athletes,” Palmer said.
When Smith took an acting class, Professor Laura Downing-Lee, the Performance Specialist for the Division of Theatre and Dance, persuaded him to audition for the school play.
“Her class really helped me drop my shield. I let my guard down and I really got to truly be myself and have fun with these classes,” Smith said.
Ginn felt supported by multiple professors while earning his undergraduate degree and MBA.
“Dr. Lytle helped with the student investment fund. I worked really closely with her during my undergraduate. Another professor was Dr. Mercado. He helped me out a lot during my MBA,” Ginn said.
After all these years, the alumni recall what UCM means to them now.
“UCM provided a platform for me to be on my own and I learned how to study, get a job, get involved. When I was at college, I felt like there was a genuine desire from everyone around me to help me be successful and to give me the confidence to be successful,” Palmer said.
“I’m thankful for going to Central Missouri, where my acting journey began at the Highlander Theatre,” Smith said “Taking acting classes and minoring in theater made me fall in love with acting. I am incredibly grateful that Central Missouri was the start of this journey.”
“UCM means the world to me, especially with having all the connections with football alumni. My biggest accomplishment of my time in Warrensburg was meeting my other half, my wife,” Ginn said.
