In exactly 100 days, the largest campaign in Missouri State University’s history,  Onward, Upward, will end with a massive celebration at Great Southern Bank Arena. 

The Oct. 29 event will be hosted by actor, alumnus and campaign chair John Goodman.  

It will also feature a live performance by Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and voice actress Tori Kelly. Kelly’s vocals as Meena in “Sing” (2016) and “Sing 2” (2021) brought down the house, and the Missouri State Foundation expects her performance to do the same on campus.   

“We eagerly anticipate The Celebration and the chance to share with the public the impact gifts made to the Onward, Upward campaign are making at Missouri State University,” Goodman said. “Missouri State opened the door for me and so many others to discover my passion and pursue it. It’s been an honor to pay that forward as campaign chair.” 

“I look forward to celebrating the campaign and its supporters with my fellow Bears.” 

The Celebration 

Goodman will host the event, which will include: 

• A warm-up performance by award-winning band KC FLOW from Kansas City, Missouri.  
• A special musical set and performance by Kelly. 
• Special appearances, collaborations and performances by the MSU grand chorus, MSU Pride Band and color guard, and other notable guests. 

No ticket is required to attend the celebration. The doors open to the public at 7 p.m. and showtime is approximately 7:30 p.m. 

Free swag will be offered to the first 2,500 guests. 

 Join the Celebration 

About Onward, Upward 

The Missouri State Onward, Upward campaign is dedicated to student success by keeping education affordable. 

 Campaign donors: 

• Change students’ lives, removing financial barriers and allowing the best and brightest to attend college.  
• Give students and faculty members the tools, technologies and state-of-the-art facilities they need and deserve. 
• Help the university shape the next generation of good citizens, strengthening our community and building the future of our state and nation. 

 “We’re incredibly thankful to our supporters for providing our students with the opportunity to thrive without financial hardship,” said Brent Dunn, executive director of the Missouri State Foundation.  

 “We can’t wait to celebrate with our Bears family this October.” 

 Make a gift to MSU