MSU to award honorary degree to former supermarket exec

Missouri State University is set to honor a former local supermarket executive.

David Trottier is scheduled to receive an honorary bachelor's degree at MSU's spring commencement May 10, according to a news release. The MSU Board of Governors approved the nomination Dec. 14.

“The thing that impressed me and, I believe, the rest of the selection committee the most was the sheer number of years that Mr. Trottier helped support a variety of institutions working to improve the quality of life in Springfield and the surrounding area," said Tom Dicke, selection committee chair, in the release.

Trottier founded Summer Fresh Supermarket with his wife, Lesley, in 1999, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. The business became owned by siblings Brent Brown and Summer Trottier – Trottier’s stepson and daughter, respectively – who sold it to Price Cutter in 2012.

Prior to founding Summer Fresh, David Trottier owned Smitty’s Supermarket Inc. in Springfield, which he sold to Albertson’s in 1998.

At MSU, Trottier is credited with helping to fund a field turf renovation at Plaster Stadium, and he and Lesley have donated to the school for years, according to the release. The Trottiers are members of the MSU Founders Club, which recognizes donors who have made a commitment of at least $10,000 in cash, securities, or real or personal property to the MSU Foundation, according to the university's website.