CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Eugene Amano is among five alumni selected by the Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Association to receive the University's 2013 Young Alumni Merit Awards.
Amano of San Diego, Calif. (College of Health and Human Services), Dr. Kelly Bender of Carbondale, Ill. (College of Science, Technology and Agriculture), Shana Kight of Marble Hill, Mo. (College of Education), Dr. Emily Machen of Cedar Falls, Iowa (College of Liberal Arts), and Mogens Madsen of Stockholm, Sweden (Harrison College of Business) are the alumni to receive the awards.
The five individuals will be honored at a commencement luncheon at noon May 11 in the Student Recreation Center-North and will be recognized during spring commencement exercises at 2 p.m. May 11 in the Show Me Center.
Amano received a bachelor's degree in general studies and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with an emphasis of law enforcement, both from Southeast in 2006. Amano, who is entering his 10th year with the Tennessee Titans, played on the Southeast football team from 2000-2003.
Amano played every game during his college career at Southeast, starting every contest from midway through his freshman year through his senior campaign. He began his career at guard before transitioning to center as a junior. As a senior, Amano won the Rimington Award, given annually to the top center in college football at the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) level. He was also named First-Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association, The NFL Draft Report and Football Gazette, and was a two-time Second-Team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection.
The Young Alumni Merit Award is given annually to honor those alumni 37 years or younger who have brought distinction to the University through professional growth, service and individual character. The Alumni Association chooses the recipients from a list of nominees representing each college. Nominations may come from faculty and staff members and alumni.
2013 Southeast Missouri State Young Alumni Merit Award-Winners
