As the semester comes to a close, Access and Success and Bears Lead are excited to share a recap of our April and May. From end-of-year celebrations and student recognition to hands-on learning experiences and community events, these final weeks have been full of meaningful moments. Join us as we highlight the connections, accomplishments, and memories that helped us finish the year strong.
April & May Programming Highlights
KC Scholars Field Day
On April 9th, Bears Lead co-hosted a KC Scholars Field Day with Lizzet Ibarra, Scholar Advocate for KC Scholars, to bring together current MSU KC Scholars for an afternoon of fun and connection in the Foster Recreation Center. With support from Lauren Easter, Associate Director of Campus Recreation, the event featured a variety of yard games and activities, including a lively game of giant volleyball. It was a great opportunity for scholars to unwind, connect with peers, and build community outside the classroom.
Bears Lead Graduation Celebration
Bears Lead recently hosted a Graduation Celebration to recognize our second-year students for completing the program and all they’ve achieved during their two years at MSU so far. It was a chance to reflect on their growth, leadership, and contributions to the campus community, while also celebrating the relationships and experiences built along the way. As part of the event, students created vision boards to set goals and intentions for the upcoming school year, taking time to think about what’s next and how they want to continue growing. It was a meaningful way to close one chapter and look ahead to the next with purpose and excitement.
Ambassador Banquet
Bears Lead held an Ambassador Banquet on April 21st to celebrate and recognize the hard work and dedication of our ambassadors. These students have played a vital role in supporting the program and their peers throughout the year, and the evening was a chance to honor their impact. Ambassador awards were presented to highlight individual contributions, and we also introduced the incoming and returning ambassadors who will carry the program forward next year. A special moment of the evening was the induction of Molly Grellner as the new Bears Lead President, as we also said a heartfelt goodbye to our current president and graduate assistant, Alondra Longoria, whose leadership and commitment have shaped the program in meaningful ways. The banquet was not only a celebration within the Bears Lead community but also a gathering that brought together members of the campus and community. It was a memorable night dedicated to recognizing our ambassadors’ achievements, celebrating leadership transitions, and expressing gratitude to our invaluable campus and community partners.
Cooking Talks 
Bears Lead recently partnered with MSU’s Nutrition and Dietetics Program to host a “Cooking Talks” event, where students learned how to prepare simple, nutritious meals using affordable ingredients – many of which can be found at MSU’s Bear Pantry. With guidance from nutrition students, participants worked together to make a menu that was both budget-friendly and flavorful, including protein balls, buffalo chicken dip, tomato soup, and black bean quesadillas. The event aimed to equip students with practical cooking skills while also highlighting accessible food resources on campus. It was a hands-on, collaborative experience that brought students together around food, learning, and community.
Cereal & Study
As finals approached, Bears Lead hosted its second Cereal & Study event of the year, offering students a space to prepare for exams with both focus and support. Held in the library, the event gave students a chance to study alongside peers and connect with ambassadors in a low-pressure environment. A variety of cereals were available to keep energy up, but the main goal was to provide a calm, collaborative space during a demanding time of the semester. After a strong turnout at midterms, it was great to see the event continue to be a helpful resource for students heading into finals.
End-of-Year Celebration
Our end-of-year celebration for Bears Lead didn’t go exactly as planned – rain forced us to cancel our trip to Silver Dollar City. But we made the most of it by heading downtown to College Station to catch Thunderbolts* instead. It turned out to be a solid backup plan; the movie was fun, and it was a good chance for everyone to relax and spend time together before wrapping up the year.
STAR Awards
At the recent STAR (Student Talent and Recognition) Awards, Bears Lead was honored to receive the Outstanding New Organization Award. This recognition highlights the impact and growth of our program in a short amount of time, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, ambassadors, and partners. The award reflects our commitment to fostering leadership, community, and support among our students, and it serves as a reminder of the great things we’ve accomplished together. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum and look forward to even more growth and success in the years to come!
Student Spotlights
Congratulations to Sophia Samala, a recipient of the PFLAG Springfield/SWMO Scholarship, awarded to LGBTQ+ students in Southwest Missouri who are pursuing higher education and demonstrating a commitment to community service. PFLAG Springfield/SWMO distributes $7,500 annually across three scholarships, thanks to the support of generous donors and partners. Sophia was honored at a recent ceremony celebrating local LGBTQ+ scholars and leaders. We’re proud to recognize Sophia’s achievements and her dedication to making a difference. Well done, Sophia!
Talon Mitchell, Bears Lead Ambassador and graduate of the program, recently attended the Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM in Atlanta, Georgia. Out of over 800 students, Talon was one of 300 selected to receive a Travel Award to present his research. His project, titled “Exploring the Impact of Histone Deacetylases (HDAC) Inhibitors on UV-Induced DNA Damage Repair in Tetrahymena thermophila,” earned him 2nd place in the Undergraduate Oral Presentation in Biological Sciences. Reflecting on the experience, Talon shared, “This experience reminded me how powerful community and opportunity are in the world of STEM.” We’re proud to celebrate Talon’s achievement and can’t wait to see what he does next!
Finally, we’re celebrating Alondra Longoria, who has been an invaluable member of Bears Lead as the Access and Success Graduate Assistant for the past two years. Alondra is set to graduate on May 9th with a Master of Social Work degree, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her studies. Her contributions to Bears Lead have been immeasurable – whether running our social media accounts, organizing events, or supporting students, Alondra has played a key role in shaping the program’s success. We’re so proud of everything she’s accomplished and know that she will go on to do amazing things. She will be deeply missed by all of us, but we can’t wait to see where her future takes her. Congratulations, Alondra!
Join the Access and Success Programs Community
Whether you are a campus or community partner, current or former Bears Lead student, or simply interested in learning more about Access and Success Programs, we invite you to join our community. Together, we are committed to empowering students, celebrating achievements, and creating pathways to success. Sign up for our blog for monthly updates on Access and Success Programs.
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Support Bears Lead
Want to contribute to the work our department is doing to support students through Bears Lead? You can donate to our MSU Foundation fund! To do so, complete the MSU Foundation gift form and select Bears Lead from the options listed when you select “Click here to search or choose multiple designations.” Thank you for your support!
