Dean Davison ’78 Receives 2025 Eagle Talon Award for Philanthropy

During the Hall of Fame and Alumni Recognition Banquet on Saturday, Sept. 27, Missouri Military Academy proudly honored Dean Davison, Class of 1978, with the 2025 Eagle Talon Award for Philanthropy in recognition of his decades of generous service, leadership, and support for the Academy.

The Eagle Talon Award recognizes an alumnus who attended MMA for at least one year and whose giving within the fiscal year reaches the Colonels Club level or higher. This prestigious award celebrates not only financial generosity but also the spirit of dedication and service to the Academy’s mission and cadets.

A former battalion commander, loyal alumnus and long-time advocate for MMA, Dean Davison has given his time, talent, and treasure for decades. In 1989, he edited and produced One Hundred Years Passing in Review for the Academy’s Centennial Celebration — a video featuring footage from multiple eras and a segment on the Fusileers Drill Team. The film remains a cherished tradition, still shared at Homecoming and alumni events today.

Beyond his creative contributions, Davison continues to mentor cadets, offering guidance to battalion commanders and other leaders, drawing from his own experiences in the corps. In 2024, he established a scholarship in honor of his late mother to further support cadet success. For nearly a decade, he has also helped shape MMA’s future as a valued member of the Board of Trustees.

As a Trustee, Davison’s leadership extends far beyond governance. He has provided strategic guidance in marketing, cadet retention, and institutional communications, helping to strengthen how the Academy shares its story and mission.

President Geraci joined members of the Alumni Association to present the award, commending Davison for his unwavering commitment and leadership.

Missouri Military Academy extends heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Dean Davison ’78, the 2025 recipient of the Eagle Talon Award for Philanthropy, for his lasting impact on the Academy and its cadets.