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Dean Kruithof, an entrepreneur and new Miami City Manager, will be this year’s keynote speaker during the annual Honors Banquet on Monday, March 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the Calcagno Family Ballroom.During the Honors Banquet, NEO will recognize those students who were named to the 2014-15 President’s Honor Roll and Deans’ Honor Roll, as well as those listed in the latest ‘Who’s Who Among American Junior Colleges’ publication and the Top 10 Freshmen. “NEO is a significant part of my life, not only from a professional perspective but from a personal one as well. The caring and welcoming environment found at the College, coupled with its academic excellence, often enhances a student’s sense of self-worth that assists them with future success,” Kruithof said. “That was certainly my experience.”

Kruithof grew up in Miami and graduated from Miami High School. Afterward, he attended NEO where he graduated with his associate’s degree and then Oklahoma State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science. Kruithof also earned his master’s degree in public administration from OSU. Kruithof brings more than 30 years of government management experience to Miami including a stint as city administrator for the City of Branson, Missouri. He was officially appointed Miami’s City Manager in Oct. 2014. Prior to his employment with the City of Branson, Kruithof served as deputy city administrator for the City of Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he led a cooperative transfer of 8,000 acres to Fort Smith which had the immediate ability to facilitate development.

When he is not working, Kruithof said he enjoys bicycling, hiking, canoeing and snorkeling. He and his wife Cynthia have been married 35 years. “It is an honor to have a former graduate of the college address NEO students who has excelled in academics, civic leadership and service,” said NEO President Dr. Jeff Hale. “Dean is an excellent role model and attributes a great deal of his personal success to his Miami and NEO roots.”