Crowder College Foundation Presents: “Suspects & Sleuths: Murder, Mutiny, and Mayhem” to Benefit Crowder College Scholarships

April 6, 2026

For Immediate Release
Office of Public Information
Crowder College

RE: Crowder College Foundation Presents: “Suspects & Sleuths: Murder, Mutiny, and Mayhem” to Benefit Crowder College Scholarships

Neosho, MO – Get ready for an unforgettable evening of intrigue, delicious food, and suspense as Suspects & Sleuths, a thrilling dinner theatre murder mystery event, comes to life on April 17 at 6:00 PM. Sponsored by RE Smith Construction, this exciting event will raise funds for Crowder College scholarships while delivering an unforgettable night of entertainment.

Hosted at the beautiful Hidden Grace Venue, the event will transport attendees to the Wayward Jewel, where scallywags and buccaneers cause mischief and mayhem. Guests will be immersed in the drama and mystery as they join a cast of suspects in solving a crime on the high seas, all while enjoying a swashbuckling dinner catered by Great Western Dining. The evenings production is in partnership with Crowder College Theatre department.

Event Details:

• Dates: April 17, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Hidden Grace Venue, Neosho, MO
• Dinner: Catered by Great Western Dining
• Tickets: $60 individual or $350 per table of 6

All proceeds from Suspects & Sleuths will directly benefit Crowder College scholarships, helping students continue their education and pursue their academic goals.

Tickets for this exciting event are expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot today! For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://onecau.se/suspects26 or call 417-455-5646.

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Please contact CindyBrown@Crowder.edu if you have additional questions.

November 4, 2025

For Immediate Release
Office of Public Information/
Crowder College

Re: Crowder Foundation receives $606k donation

Neosho, MO – Crowder College Foundation is excited to announce the receipt of a $606,431 donation from the Barnes family estate.

“This gift came at the perfect time as we have been looking to address specific areas and majors where student needs are underrepresented,” stated Wade Williams, Director of Institutional Advancement. “This will produce around $24,000 annually in scholarships that align with recent enrollment trends and institutional priorities. We are grateful for this gift and the impact that it will have on the students we serve.”

Robert and Ruth (Shartel) Barnes established their trust in 1990. Robert grew up in Goodman attending school in Anderson and Neosho before graduating from Westminster College in Fulton, MO. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and later had a successful business career in Neosho, Sallisaw, OK before retiring in Bella Vista, AR in 1981.

“Crowder College is incredibly grateful for this transformative gift,” echoed Dr. Chett Daniel, President.” Their vision recognized that Crowder’s programs of study and learning experiences provide incredible value and the ultimate return on investment – improving the lives of residents in southwest Missouri and strengthening our entire region. This gift ensures the legacy of the Barnes (Shartel) family will continue to make an impact to our area for years to come.”

The Crowder College Foundation exists for the benefit of supporting Crowder College and its students through fundraising efforts. The Foundation provides additional funding to the college that may not be otherwise available.

For more information about the Foundation call, 417.455.5606.

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Please contact my office if you have additional questions.