Missouri State University is saying thank you to the family that made the largest scholarships gift in school history.

Missouri State will honor Tim Reynolds and Judith Enyeart Reynolds with the Bronze Bear Award at a fall 2021 commencement ceremony.

“The Bronze Bear weighs 45 pounds, but Tim and Judy’s contributions to the university are worth their weight in gold,” President Clif Smart said. “Their gifts have transformed Missouri State and the lives of students forever.”

The Board of Governors on Friday (Oct. 15) approved the award, which recognizes individuals for special support and achievement at Missouri State.

About the Reynolds family

Tim and Judith met as students at Missouri State and have financially supported several programs, including public broadcasting services Ozarks Public Television and KSMU Ozarks Public Radio, and academic programs in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services.

However, it was their significant gift with the C.W. Titus Foundation to support the arts park now under construction near Craig Hall, and students in the College of Arts and Letters, that left an indelible mark on the university.

The gift included funding for more than 60 students to receive a full tuition scholarship each year, amounting to the largest scholarships gift in school history.

“We’re very lucky that we have the ability to do this and give something back,” Tim said. “For a lot of years, Missouri State gave us a lot. Judy is my life. I just want to do something so she won’t be forgotten.”

In recognition of the gift, the college was renamed the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters.

About the Bronze Bear

The Bronze Bear Award includes a framed resolution and a 45-pound, 18-inch Bronze Bear in an upright position mounted on a base.

Former Missouri State art professor Dr. Jim Hill designed the award in 1998. A 14-foot statue version of the Bronze Bear mounted on a 3-foot concrete base is located just north of Missouri State’s Plaster Student Union.

The university president and administrative council recommends Bronze Bear recipients. The executive committees of the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and Student Government Association support the nominations. The Board of Governors has final approval.