Alumni Awards

Brock Ayers, Certified Financial Planner professional (CFP), is a First Vice President – Investments, for Wells Fargo Advisors in Chesterfield, MO. He has worked in the profession for over 31 years, starting his financial career with AG Edwards. Brock has been recognized with numerous career achievements including as a Premier Advisor and FIVE STAR Wealth Manager. Prior to joining the investment industry in 1992, he was on active duty with the US Army, and later in the US Army Reserve, serving almost 18 years before medical retirement as a Major in 1999.

Brock graduated from Westminster College in 1982, earning a BA in Economics and Business Administration. While at Westminster, Brock was on a full ROTC scholarship. He was active in student life serving as Commander of the Westminster ROTC cadet detachment, President of Delta Tau Delta, Justice on the Social Judiciary Board, Director of the Student Foundation, and member of the Skulls of Seven. While attending Westminster, he continued to operate a business he founded in high school - Super Sweep Chimney Cleaning, which allowed him to meet many of the local Fulton community,

After graduating from Westminster and receiving a Regular Army commission the same weekend, Brock attended the Army Intelligence School at FT Huachuca, AZ. Later he attended the prestigious Post Graduate Intelligence Program, National Defense University, earning a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence. His assignments included the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii, the Defense Intelligence Agency – Space and Special Operations Directorate and the National Security Council – White House Situation Room Staff in Washington, D.C., and the US Transportation Command J2/ Intelligence and Crisis Action Team, Scott AFB, IL - along with several joint agency roles.

Brock was a Trustee of Westminster College for 21 years, chaired the Student Life and Enrollment Committees, and served on others. He is a Churchill Fellow of America’s National Churchill Museum. Brock served the Westminster Alumni Association six years as an officer, including President. Brock was recognized with the Jack Marshall Alumni Loyalty Award in 2014 and the SGA Alumni Service Award in 1993 and 1995. He was named the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VI Volunteer of the Year in 2012, having been nominated by Westminster. In 2014, Brock was awarded membership in Delta Tau Delta’s prestigious national Distinguished Service Chapter. In 1996, he founded the Blue Blazer Investment Committee. One of Brock’s proudest achievements is the many Westminster students he has helped with securing internships and initial employment after graduation.

Brock and his wife, Laura (WWU ’82), are proud of the eight Westminster diplomas in their extended family, including their four daughters, Kathryn Wickenhauser (‘11), Caroline (’14), Amelia (’16) and Sarah (’21).

Dr. Valentina Bumbu, a dedicated educator, leader, and advocate for social change, embarked on her journey in education in 2013 after completing her doctoral program in Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). Born and raised in the Republic of Moldova, Valentina's passion for learning and education was ignited during her undergraduate years at Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, where she arrived on a scholarship in 2001.

Her career in education began as a Chemistry and AP Chemistry Teacher at Soldan International Studies High School, St. Louis Public School district. After five years of impactful service in this role, she transitioned to become the Secondary Science Curriculum Specialist for the district, bringing her expertise and innovative approach to curriculum development. Prior to her teaching career, she pursued roles in the industry as a chemist, enriching her understanding of real-world applications of scientific knowledge.

Dr. Bumbu's academic journey has been marked by a fusion of scientific rigor and educational leadership. She completed the Advanced Education Leadership program at Harvard University. Currently pursuing a Master's in Educational Leadership at St. Louis University, Dr. Bumbu continues to strive for excellence in her field. Her dedication to equipping inner-city students with the tools to become agents of social change led her to join the Carnahan STEAM team in 2023 as an Assistant Principal.

Driven by the belief that education is the key to addressing complex societal issues, Valentina is committed to Carnahan's mission and vision. She finds fulfillment in nurturing the next generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers, viewing them as the architects of a brighter future.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Valentina cherishes time with her family, friends, and students. She finds joy in activities such as reading, dancing, playing volleyball, traveling, and practicing martial arts. Through her boundless passion and unwavering dedication, Dr. Valentina Bumbu embodies the spirit of transformative education in the heart of St. Louis city.

H. Richard Walton is a retired senior financial executive. Following graduation from Westminster College in 1970 with a BA degree in Economics and Business Administration, Rich served two years as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Rich joined KPMG LLP and spent over 30 years there in public accounting, including 20 years as an audit partner in this international accounting firm. He served clients primarily in the healthcare and life sciences industries. Following retirement from KPMG, his financial consulting for public companies with SEC reporting led to becoming the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at an energy chemistries and oilfield products public company in Houston.

Throughout his career, Rich spent significant time leading and assisting charitable organizations in Houston. Now in retirement, he continues to volunteer in leadership positions on the Boards of four charities.

Zac Imel, PhD is Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Counseling Psychology Program in the Department of Educational Psychology and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Utah. He is also co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Lyssn.io, an technology company focused on using artificial intelligence to assess and improve psychotherapeutic practices. The author of more than 100 scientific publications, his work has been funded by NSF, NIMH, NIDA, NIAAA, PCORI, The John Templeton Foundation, and the Casey Foundation. He is co-author of a primary psychotherapy text, The Great Psychotherapy Debate: The Evidence for What Makes Psychotherapy Work - which offers a comprehensive review of the evidence for the effectiveness of psychotherapy, has been translated into multiple languages, and cited more than 3000 times. He won the Early Career Award from the American Psychological Foundation/Division 29 (Psychotherapy).

Dr. Imel graduated from Westminster College in 2001. He earned his BA in both Religious Studies and Psychology. While at Westminster, Dr. Imel was a Churchill Scholar, a member of Delta Tau Delta, Alpha Chi, Chapel Leadership Council, the Social Judiciary Board, and the Skulls of Seven. He was also a Resident Advisor. After graduating from Westminster, he entered graduate school at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he earned his Masters in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Imel received his Ph.D. in August 2009 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and completed a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) in Seattle.

Charles “Gus” Kurrus III was born April 19, 1934. He graduated from Signal Hill School in 1948 and from Belleville Township High School in 1952. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in 1956 as well as a degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College.

After graduating from Westminster in 1956, Gus accepted responsibility for his family's now 6th-generation business, Kurrus Funeral Home, in Belleville, IL. As a licensed funeral director and the owner of Kurrus Funeral Home, Gus has served, supported, and strengthened countless families across the St. Louis region during their greatest time of need for over half century.

Not only has Gus had success in his career, but he has also dedicated his life to significant service to his community. Gus served his country as an active member of the United States Army Reserves for five years. He served his community as a Board Member of Signal Hill School from 1965 to 1977 and past trustee of Signal Hill Volunteer Fire Department during the same 12-year period. Gus served his neighbors as the Director of Bankers Trust Company and the Bank of Belleville. He was a founding Director of West Pointe Bank & Trust and has served as a President to the Boys Club of East St. Louis, Chairman of the United Fund of Greater East St. Louis, and Belle-Clair Rotary club.

He has also been a 60-year member of the Freemasonry at East Lodge #504 AF & AM, the treasurer for Scottish Rite Bodies, and received the Honorary 33 degree. Gus is also a member of York Rite Bodies, Red Cross of Constantine and Ainad Shine, and Royal Order of Jesters.

Charles married the Late Jackie Kinsman in 1957. They had three children: Dean (1959), Dale (1961), and Kristi (1964).

Charles resides in Belleville, Illinois.