MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) announced today that Olathe Mayor and MNU Alumnus John Bacon will be honored with the Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award during the MNU Homecoming Chapel on October 18, 2024. The service begins at 9:30 a.m. at College Church of the Nazarene, 2020 E. Sheridan in Olathe, Kansas. The public is warmly invited to attend.
About the Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award
The Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award is named in honor of the late Olathe Mayor Mike Copeland, an esteemed MNU alumnus from the class of 1984. Copeland was Olathe’s longest-serving mayor, known for his tireless dedication to the city and the surrounding region. While at MNU, Copeland was a student body president and a member of the Pioneer football team. These early experiences helped him develop the leadership and relationship-building skills that would define his banking and public service career. His remarkable leadership and community engagement legacy continued until his passing in office in August 2020.
Mayor John Bacon: Continuing a Legacy of Service
Mayor John Bacon’s recognition with this award highlights his commitment to the Olathe community and his efforts to continue building on the legacy left by his predecessor.
“As a public servant, John Bacon has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for improving the lives of Olathe residents,” said MNU President David Spittal. “His leadership has fostered economic growth, strengthened community bonds, and enhanced the overall quality of life for Olathe’s citizens.”
Bacon’s receipt of the Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award is a testament to his dedication and reflects the values that MNU holds dear—service, leadership, and a heart for the community.
Join the Celebration
The MNU Homecoming Chapel is a special time of reflection, celebration, and connection for both the university and the surrounding community. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 18, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., and join the Olathe community at College Church of the Nazarene to celebrate this momentous occasion.
