Magdalena Viktora-Jones Wins Young Alumni Award

Dr. Magdalena Viktora-Jones received the Young Alumni Award at the Lindenwood University Gala, an award recognizing the accomplishments of an alumni who graduated in the last 10 years. After receiving her bachelor's degree from Lindenwood, Viktora-Jones stayed and completed her MBA. She has since received an MA from University of Arkansas and PhD from Florida International University and is now an Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Southern Indiana. At Lindenwood, Viktora-Jones performed in several ensembles. Lindenwood provided a unique experience for Viktora-Jones who was selected to be the first chair trumpet. The first chair assignment is typically reserved for students in the music program, but Viktora-Jones was able to audition and be selected at Lindenwood, an opportunity that is not typically on offer at other universities. A native German speaker, Viktora-Jones also supervised the Conversation Partner Program which pairs native and non-native English speakers together to work on language skills.

Viktora-Jones also met a valuable mentor, Dr. Shelly Meyer. It was Meyer who first suggested Viktora-Jones explore a career in academia. Viktora-Jones describes teaching as her dream job, saying that she loves to give back to the next generation of students. Meyer and Viktora-Jones remain friends, sharing phone calls and meeting in person whenever possible.

Meyer nominated Viktora-Jones for the award. In her nomination, Meyer said, "she gives back to her community and her profession and is a vocal advocate for Lindenwood and how it contributed to her success. She gives of her time, energy, and resources to assist students and grow the esteem of higher education."

Describing the Young Alumni Award as an honor, Viktora-Jones keeps her award on display at her desk. Having been recognized for personal and professional accomplishments before, Viktora-Jones believes this award is extra special, marking a full-circle moment in her academic journey. Viktora-Jones offers thanks to everyone who was involved in the ceremony and this journey.