Neal ’90 and Diane ’90 Hook
If you’re involved at Missouri Western or on campus a lot, it’s a pretty safe bet that you may run into Diane ’90 or Neal ’90 Hook, who have been active at Missouri Western since they were students.
Neal, a graduate of Benton High School in St. Joseph, played basketball for Coach Tom Smith, who had just arrived on campus. Neal graduated with a mathematics degree and has spent his entire career at Central High School in St. Joseph. Along with teaching math, he served 12 years as head boys basketball coach.
He earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership: Secondary Education from Northwest Missouri State University and is currently serving in his third year as assistant principal at Central.
Diane, from central Kansas, transferred to Missouri Western after one year at Wichita State and played basketball under Coach Terry Ellis for two years. Diane graduated with a Criminal Justice – Legal Studies degree and worked as a paralegal before returning to law school. She graduated with her juris doctorate in 2003 from University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. She currently is an attorney with Hook McKinley LLC in St. Joseph, practicing general law.
“There’s a certain satisfaction in really solving problems for people,” she said.
Diane is currently a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and is vice chair of the the MWSU Foundation Board of Directors. Additionally, she and Neal can be found at many athletic events throughout the year.
“Missouri Western gave me a shot with academic scholarships, so I am giving back,” Diane said.
Diane has also served on a number of community boards. Neal, she says, “volunteers quietly” and does a lot for people behind the scenes.
“I enjoy being involved at Missouri Western,” Diane said. “The University is very important to the community, and I hope it continues to grow.”