John and Kris Teale have benefitted for decades from the opportunities
provided at Northwest Missouri State University and its mission to help
students succeed. Now, the longtime Maryville couple is seeking to assist
the University and its students with a six-figure gift.
The Teales decided to repurpose a life insurance policy into a gift that
fulfills their philanthropic desires and assists Northwest where its need
is greatest.
"Giving back to Northwest has never been a question," John said. "Once we
were in a position to make significant gifts we decided it would be more
fun and rewarding to start giving now while we can enjoy it. We are
beginning with a life insurance policy that we had taken out years ago for
a much different purpose. As our life situation changed we discovered that
we could re-purpose the policy by gifting ownership of the policy to the
University."
Both Iowa natives, John completed his degree in industrial technology in
1973 at Northwest; Kris earned her degree in early childhood education from
the University in 1991. After John completed his degree, the couple stayed
in Maryville and John joined Midland Engineering Inc., where he became a
partner in 1976 and president in 1989. Now in its fourth decade, the
company has evolved and changed its name to Midland Surveying Inc. and
expanded its operations, adding Midland GIS Solutions LLC in 2000.
Although Teale retired in 2012, the businesses boasts many employees who
have attended or graduated from Northwest. Midland continues to provide
students with opportunities to apply their skills, John said, but it also
benefits from the vast skills with which Northwest students are equipped.
Numerous Northwest interns from a variety of academic departments have
become valuable resources of intellectual talent for the firm.
"We were extremely impressed with the quality of students and willingness
of their instructors to accommodate our needs while insuring that the
students had a meaningful learning experience," John said. "The instructors
do a tremendous job in preparing these high-achieving performers to become
industry leaders of tomorrow and we are grateful for that win-win
relationship."
The Teales have a long and deep family legacy at Northwest. Their two sons,
Greg and Adam, as well as their daughters-in-law are Northwest alumni.
John's brother and sister, Kris' sister, nieces and nephews attended the
University, too.
The skills they learned at Northwest and the relationships they've built
through the years because of their connection to the University continue to
have an impact.
"The friendships and relationships that have been created at Northwest,
both as students and alumni are priceless," said John, who was a member of
the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity at Northwest. "We have built many lifelong
friendships, many of which we maintain contact today. We have a tremendous
pride in Northwest and believe that much of our success is due to the
educational and social experiences that were gained as students and active
alumni.
"We feel fortunate to be in a position to pay it forward so that others may
experience similar opportunities as a result of their relationship with
this fine institution."
For more information about giving to Northwest, contact the Office of
University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or [email protected].
