For Richard Steinberg, one class — and one professor — changed the trajectory of his life.

As an undergraduate, Steinberg enrolled in Econ 51, the university’s introductory macroeconomics course. It was taught by the late Dr. John Kuhlman, a professor known among students for his challenging material, long lectures, and supposed intimidating presence. Steinberg quickly discovered otherwise.

“Econ 51 had a huge impact on me,” recalled Steinberg, a 1978 Business Administration alum. “It gave me a firm foundation on everything. Once you understand macroeconomics, you have an understanding of almost anything in the world — business, finance, anything.”

What stood out even more than the subject matter was Kuhlman himself.

“I visited his office more than once, and he was truly a joy to converse with. He explained concepts with real-life examples that made them easier to grasp. That class and that professor influenced everything I did afterward,” Steinberg said.

That influence carried Steinberg into a career that spanned law, government, and financial advising. After earning his law degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, he served briefly as an assistant city attorney for the city of St. Joseph, Missouri. He then moved into federal service with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in St. Joseph and later with the Resolution Trust Corporation in Phoenix. Eventually, he transferred to Denver, where he launched his own Ameriprise Financial branch and spent 20 years advising clients before retiring.

Looking back, Steinberg said there was never a doubt he would attend Mizzou.

“There’s nothing quite like going to football games on the weekends, getting pizza from Shakespeare’s, and hanging out at The Shack,” he said and smiled. “Going to Mizzou and being on campus was a happy four years of my life.”

Today, Steinberg and his wife Robbie are ensuring that future generations of Mizzou graduate students benefit from the same kind of mentorship and academic foundation that shaped his own journey. The couple recently committed $1 million to a graduate fellowship fund in honor of Dr. John Kuhlman.

For Steinberg, the gift is both a tribute and a message. 

“The impact of a class or a professor often isn’t recognized until years later,” he said. “In my case, the combination of course content and the professor’s influence made a lasting difference in my professional life.”

With this fellowship, Steinberg hopes others will discover what he did in Middlebush Auditorium all those years ago: that a single class, and a single professor, can change everything.