A Meeting at the Library Starts a Lifelong Journey

While their educational journey led them to places far beyond Kirksville, John “Mitch” and Denise Teal remember their time at Truman and credit the education they received here as the springboard for their success.

Though from opposite sides of the state, the Teals met in the library through a mutual friend, Nancy Williams. Mitch, who lived in Belton, was introduced to Truman by 1940s alumnus and family friend, Dr. Monte Peterson, who drove Mitch to Kirksville to see the campus for the first time.

After serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, Mitch used his GI bill benefits to enroll at then Northeast Missouri State University in 1975 and graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Denise Teal came to Truman from St. Louis and earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish and Latin American Studies as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education for Spanish and French in 1978.

They both share a favorite professor in Walter Ryle. Mitch remembers finding refuge from the biting cold and snow of Kirksville winters by walking through Baldwin Hall to get to classes. While Mitch remembers moving furniture in the Quiet Room (now the Hub) in the Student Union Building, Denise’s favorite spot was the library. They especially loved the small-town atmosphere and tight-knit campus offered here.

Following graduation, Mitch pursued master’s degrees in regional and city planning at the University of Oklahoma and public administration at the University of New Orleans, and Denise started law school at Loyola and finished her law degree at the University of Toledo in 1987. John retired from First Energy Corporation in 2009. Denise left the U.S. Attorney’s office in 2001.

No matter how far their journey took them, they have always cherished their time at Truman. As a way to honor the school that brought their journey together, the Teals have included Truman in their estate plans.

Through their generosity, scholarships in Sociology & Anthropology and Classical & Modern Languages will be established as well as a fund for Faculty Excellence. Additionally, the Teals have funded a scholarship for the children of disabled veterans with current gifts and will provide additional funds through their estate gift.