Henry Imler

Everything in Henry Imler’s life is full time. At 23, he is a full-time personal banker at Boone National Savings and Loan, a full-time senior majoring in philosophy and religious studies at Columbia College and a full-time husband.

Like many Columbia College students, Imler is an adult learner with responsibilities outside school. He spent the past two years taking night classes at Columbia College. This is his first semester in the day program.

“There was no way I could go to college in a traditional way,” Imler said. “Columbia College fit right into my schedule.”

Imler married Meredith Bentch in June 2002. He started down the path toward a college degree before he got married, attending schools in St. Charles and Moberly. Early in their relationship Meredith left home to do mission work in South Africa.

“We knew if we could make it through a challenge like that, we could make it through school and have what it takes to have a marriage,” Imler said. “We were new in the world, we didn’t really know what we were doing, but Columbia College allowed us to get started.”

Imler, originally from Versailles, and his wife came to Columbia because of the economic possibilities it offers and because of Columbia College, he said.

“It would be really easy just to stop, but we are making a choice,” Imler said.

After he graduates in May, Imler said, he plans to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in philosophy and religious studies at MU.

He is attacking every aspect of his life full time — achieving and surviving.

“I am completely and utterly satisfied where I am,” Imler said. “I think I am having more fun now. I have my best friend with me every day, and we are having a great time.”

— Rachel Williams