His parents were both businesspeople, so he grew up around commerce.

After high school in Melbourne, Australia, he decided to go to college in the United States. He started his studies at Evangel University. He then attended Missouri State, where he graduated with a bachelor’s. He went on to Drury University and graduated with an MBA.

“How many people can say they have attended three different colleges in Springfield, Missouri?” he said with a laugh.

He also mentioned there was only one Chinese restaurant in Springfield when he was at Missouri State — and they charged him for the use of chopsticks. (Of course, the city is now known for its width and breadth of Asian restaurants.)

After Springfield, he headed to the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He graduated in 1979 with a master’s in international business.

He said his time at Missouri State helped him in his career because he was able to admire and appreciate the American culture. This allows him to now work successfully with American clients.

“I lived on campus so that I could experience what American life was. I at times wondered how learning American history and things like that would help me be an entrepreneur. Now, I realize that in understanding American history, I understand Americans.”

He also met people who became mentors.

“I got to know Dr. (James) Snapp, one of my professors, on a personal level. He actually offered to help me go to the law school he graduated from with scholarships, but I eventually decided that I was to be a businessman. I measured my strengths and consistently found that being an entrepreneur was the path for me.”

Outside of work, he has a growing family. He is married with two children and four grandchildren.

He enjoyed his time in the Midwest and is glad he studied abroad at Missouri State.

“I feel there is something valuable that students gain by living on a college campus, particularly international students. Living on campus immerses us in the culture we are learning about.”

Reconnect with Roy

Roy hopes this story helps him find college friends. If you knew Roy, feel free to email him at tanroyt@yahoo.com.

Help us map out maroon-and-white spirit around the world!

Wherever your plane lands — from Rome to Rio, Marrakech to Moscow, Shanghai to Sydney — you can almost bet a Bear is somewhere nearby. Missouri State has 100,000 alumni who live and work all around the world, and we are stepping up efforts to reconnect with and serve those graduates.

Benefits available to international alumni

• Notification of alumni gatherings and other Missouri State events around the world;
• Free membership in the Missouri State Online Community, a social-networking site just for Bears;
• Regular communication from Missouri State about campus news, Homecoming, reunions, alumni privileges, athletics and more;
• Notification emails about Missouri State magazine each time the publication goes live online, allowing you to access all stories and extra online-only content.

Are you a graduate living outside the U.S.?

We’d love to hear from you! As soon as we know where you are, we can start giving you all the benefits received by international Missouri State graduates. Here’s how:

• Go to the Alumni Association website to update your contact information and tell us about your career and professional accomplishments; or
• Email us at alumni@missouristate.edu.

Do you know a graduate living outside the United States?

Maybe you have friends living in London, Cape Town, Tokyo or other destinations worldwide. We want to be sure they receive communication from Missouri State.
You can help us reach out to them! Just ask them to visit alumni.missouristate.edu to get back in touch.