2014 Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame

The inaugural Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony took place on April 11 at the Oasis Convention Center in Springfield, Mo. The event recognized the first inductees into the Hall of Fame: Harry S. Truman, John C. Danforth and Donald M. Suggs.

Danforth and Suggs attended the ceremony, and Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of Truman, accepted the award on behalf of his grandfather.

Jennifer Davidson, senior reporter for Missouri State University public radio station KSMU, emceed the dinner.

Strong-Garner-Bauer was the presenting sponsor for the event. Special thanks to them for helping make the evening possible.

Recognition of honorees

Throughout the evening, the honorees were recognized in person and via video.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon offered perspective on the importance of the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame and thanked the honorees for their service.

Harry S. Truman

The first inductee into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame was the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman.

At the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame dinner and induction, Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of Truman, accepted the award on behalf of his grandfather.

In addition, Dr. James N. Giglio, distinguished professor emeritus of history at Missouri State University, honored President Harry S. Truman and discussed why he was a worthy inductee into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame.

John C. Danforth

The second inductee into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame was the three-term U.S Senator from Missouri and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John C. “Jack” Danforth.

Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond talked about his friend and colleague, Danforth, and why he deserved to be recognized.

Donald M. Suggs

The third inductee into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame was the publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American newspaper, Dr. Donald Suggs.

Orvin Kimbrough, President and C.E.O. of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, recognized Suggs and discussed why he was a deserving honoree.

Snapshots from the event

The inaugural Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame dinner and induction was a beautiful event. Photos are available for viewing and for purchase online.

Social media coverage

Guests who attended the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame were encouraged to share about their experiences on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #ShowMeCitizens.