Becky Buchanan: Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Gilgour presents Becky Buchanan with the Distinguished Alumni Award

At Friday's Commencement Ceremony, we were pleased to present the Distinguished Alumni Award to Becky Buchanan of Farmington. She is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Midwest Pain, Spine, and Family Practice and the founder of The Pink Penguin Project, a non-profit organization that helps women in our community diagnosed with breast cancer.

After graduating from Arcadia Valley High School in 1998, Becky earned her Associate of Arts from Mineral Area College in 2000. She then completed an Associate of Science in Nursing from St. Louis Community College (2002), followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2013) and a Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner (2014) from the University of South Alabama.

She chose MAC to get a strong, affordable start to college while exploring career options. Retired MAC Professor Dr. Rhonda Gamble, whose passion for science and the workings of the human body sparked a love of medicine, strongly influenced her journey into nursing.

Accustomed to being a healthcare provider, the tables turned in March 2020 when Becky was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40. She underwent multiple surgeries as well as chemo and radiation, all while the world dealt with the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said she was blessed with amazing support during and after her journey and knows that her medical background and relationships helped ensure that she received the best possible medical care.

Once treatment ended and life slowly returned to normal, she wanted to find a way to give back and help others. Using her unique perspective of both patient and provider, Becky saw a great need in our area for support for those who were diagnosed with breast cancer. So began The Pink Penguin Project (PPP), which provides bags full of items that help make chemo, radiation, and surgery a little bit easier. The PPP also makes available a network of breast cancer survivors and thrivers for guidance and support.

Since 2023, PPP has helped more than 70 women who live, work, or are connected to our local communities. Through generous donations, PPP has raised over $100,000 in the last two years and hopes to continue its mission and raise awareness of the importance of early detection.

Becky and her family find joy in being involved throughout the community and at MAC. Her husband Andy is President at First State Community Bank and a longtime member of the MAC Foundation Board. Together with their children, Hayes (13) and Sloan (8), they are big supporters of MAC athletics and have a special connection with the women’s basketball team and coaches.

“Looking back, MAC gave me a great start in life. It allowed me to build my confidence as a college student and laid the groundwork for professional success,” Becky said. “I am humbled by this award and forever grateful that MAC shaped the love I have for my community and helped make me the person I am today.”