McPHERSON, Kan. — Each year, McPherson College recognizes the accomplishments of young alumni during the Honors Convocation at Homecoming. This year, the three alumni receiving Young Alumni Awards on September 26 in a ceremony at Brown Auditorium included Kristen (Cossaart) Graff ’96, Shawn McGowan ’97, and Shanna (Hayden) Coulter ’04.
The Young Alumni Award recognizes the achievements and life-long potential for accomplishment of the college’s younger alumni. The award is given to alumni who demonstrate commitment to and achievement in their profession, serve others or their church, and actively support McPherson College.
Kristen (Cossaart) Graff, Salina, Kan.
Kristen has been a teacher since 1996 and has taught in USD 305 since 1999. She currently teaches English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at Cottonwood Elementary School in Salina. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from McPherson College and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education with an ESOL endorsement from Kansas State University.
Throughout her career, Kristen has served as a fourth and sixth-grade classroom teacher, a Title I reading and math teacher, and an ESOL teacher at Schilling, Stewart, Coronado, Meadowlark, and Cottonwood elementary schools in Salina. She also worked as a literacy coach at Salina Central High School.
In addition to her classroom work, Kristen serves as a NEA building representative and has previously been a teacher’s rights coordinator and member of the Professional Appraisal Committee. She has led numerous professional development programs for teachers and is a trainer for Time to Teach, a classroom and behavior management program. Kristen is also listed in Who’s Who of American Teachers.
Shawn McGowan, Ellsworth, Kan.
Shawn earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology from McPherson College and a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Wichita State University. He is the senior advanced practice provider at Ellsworth County Medical Center, where he has served for 25 years. During the week, he works as a hospitalist and covers the emergency department evenings and weekends. He also provides medical care at the county jail, serves as deputy county coroner, and volunteers for sideline medical assistance at high school football games. Additionally, he serves on the hospital’s executive board.
Shawn is active in his community, serving on several committees, including Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the school district’s wellness committee. He has also been a youth leader at his church and coached his sons’ youth sports teams. He enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family. Shawn and his wife, Gina Railsback McGowan ’97, have two sons.
Shanna (Hayden) Coulter, Allen, Texas.
Shanna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business Administration from McPherson College. She has worked for several companies during her career and is currently a senior manager for Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, where she helps advance the company’s position in the tax technology space.
An avid athlete, Shanna competes in triathlons — swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles — and has recently taken up participation in adaptive sports, running alongside a sight-impaired athlete. She also enjoys scuba diving.
For the past two years, Shanna has served as a mentor in the Student Debt Project. She is an active community volunteer, contributing to the All Community Outreach, serving at her church, and supporting local food drives. Shanna has two children who also keep her busy with a variety of activities.
