Awards for two exceptional alumni will be presented during the annual Alumni Banquet during Southwest Baptist University’s Homecoming festivities. All Alumni who wish to see the awards presented should plan to attend the banquet (tickets required) at 5:30pm in the Marketplace on Friday October 10th. The award winners will also be acknowledged at the 3rd Annual Southwest Baptist Celebration that follows the banquet at 7pm in the Meyer Recital Hall, which is free and open to the public. This year's Bearcats Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at that event.
The alumni being honored at this year's Homecoming include the following:
Alumni Life Service Award - Dr. Robert W. Yarbrough ’79
The Life Service Award is given annually to graduates whose lives have exemplified
the principles which are upheld at SBU. Recipients are those who have lived exemplary
Christian lives, who have been outstanding in their field of service, and those who
have made a significant contribution to mankind.
As a 1979 graduate of Southwest Baptist College (now University), Dr. Robert Yarbrough has served the Church worldwide. Following his time at SBU, he went on to earn his M.A. in Theological Studies at Wheaton College Graduate School (1982) and his Ph.D. in New Testament at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland (1985). He has taught New Testament at several institutions, but most recently at Covenant Theological Seminary where he has served since 2010.
Dr. Yarbrough’s ministry extends far beyond the classroom. He has trained pastors and church leaders across the globe, often under challenging circumstances. He is also an accomplished author and editor, having written and contributed to numerous influential works, including several New Testament commentaries and co-authoring Encountering the New Testament. He also serves on multiple editorial boards that advance evangelical scholarship worldwide.
Through decades of teaching, writing, mentoring, and global mission work, Dr. Robert Yarbrough has embodied the very essence of life service: a steadfast devotion to Christ, His Word, and His people. It is with gratitude and joy that we celebrate him with the Life Service Award.
Edwin Lightfoot Distinguished Alumni Award - Shane Schoeller ’94
The Alumni Association presents the Edwin Lightfoot Distinguished Alumni Award annually
to an alumnus or alumna who demonstrates the ideals personified by the late Edwin
Lightfoot ’40. The award criteria include active involvement in alumni leadership,
a dedication to the education and welfare of young people, and a continued support
for SBU.
As a graduate of Southwest Baptist University in 1994, Shane Schoeller has lived out the values of faith and service instilled during his time at SBU. Shane currently serves as Greene County Clerk; prior to this role, he served three terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, where he rose to serve as Speaker of the House. Throughout his career, Shane has been recognized for his commitment to transparency, accessibility, and integrity in government; including receiving the Missouri Sunshine Coalition’s Sunshine Hero Award (2022).
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Shane’s heart for service is evident in his many community roles. He serves on the board of the Springfield Pregnancy Care Center, is active in Kiwanis Springfield South, and has invested in SBU by serving as past president of the SBU Alumni Association board.
Together with his wife, Mendie, and their children, Shane is an active member of Second Baptist Church of Springfield, where he serves as a deacon and student ministry teacher. His life reflects the spirit of the Edwin Lightfoot Award—faithful leadership, service to others, and a deep love for Christ. We are honored to celebrate Shane Schoeller as this year’s recipient of the Edwin Lightfoot Award, recognizing his commitment to service, leadership, and Christian character.
For more information about SBU Homecoming activities, visit advance.SBUniv.edu/homecoming.
Published September 25th, 2025.