The Foster family, which has long supported Missouri State, received the Bronze Bear as part of the fall 2014 commencement ceremony. The family is the namesake behind the Bill R. Foster and Family Recreation Center. They have also given to many other areas of the University.
The Bronze Bear is the highest nonacademic award from Missouri State.
The late Bill R. Foster, his wife, Juanitha, and their children Robert A. (Tony) Foster, John D. Foster, Bill R. Foster Jr. and Kaye Foster-Gibson are longtime friends of Missouri State. Bill R. Foster served on the Missouri State Foundation Board of Trustees from 1987-93, and was president of the Board in 1990-91. Robert A. (Tony) Foster and John D. Foster currently serve on the Missouri State University Foundation Board of Trustees.
In 2011, a major gift commitment from the family led to the naming of the Bill R. Foster and Family Recreation Center. The Foster family has also invested in the University with gifts supporting Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Ozarks Public Television, JQH Arena, intercollegiate athletics programs and numerous academic scholarship funds.
This award includes a framed resolution and an 18-inch tall Bronze Bear. Former Missouri State art professor Dr. Jim Hill designed the Bronze Bear award, and a 14-foot statue version of the Bear is located just north of Plaster Student Union.
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