Tony Michalka ’04, is a proud Missouri State University graduate. He received his Bachelor of Science in Sociology. Tony is the Director of Communications for the City of O’Fallon, Missouri where he lives with his wife and daughters. He serves as the inaugural Missouri State St. Louis Alumni Chapter president.

As president, Tony and the volunteer leadership team are charged with bringing alumni together to build a Bear community in St. Louis. In a recent interview, he shared the importance of staying connected to your alma mater.

Becoming the alumni chapter president

For Tony, becoming a chapter leader was a no-brainer. Drawn to leadership roles, both in college and in his career, Tony served as the president of his fraternity. He knows first-hand the challenges and opportunities that come with leading groups. As the St. Louis Alumni Chapter President, he plans to create a place where fellow alumni feel at home.

Staying connected after graduation

Tony believes that Missouri State Alumni Chapters provide a launching pad for recent graduates. Chapters provide recent graduates an opportunity to continue their Bear experience. Through the alumni chapter, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to your alma mater and make a difference.

Tony’s favorite MSU memory as a student is one that many alumni share. He met his wife at Missouri State and made some of his best friends there. Like many other alumni, the day-to-day experiences were impactful as well.

He fondly looks back on late nights at the fraternity house that turned into early morning runs across campus to make it to class. He recalls walking across campus in a foot of snow and holiday gifting for his family using his ZipCard to defer the payment.

Advice for current students

Tony encourages students to become active in as many organizations and activities as they can. By doing so, they will meet lifelong friends and learn lifelong lessons. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new,” he said.

2023 plans for the Missouri State St. Louis Alumni Chapter

Tony is excited for the St. Louis Alumni Chapter. The leadership team represents a range of graduation years, personal backgrounds and MSU experiences. The events and activities planned are meant to bring alumni together and reconnect them with their alma mater. Future opportunities include welcoming recent graduates to St. Louis, a senior sendoff picnic for incoming freshmen, happy hours and community service events.

Get involved with your alumni chapter

“Everyone belongs to MarooNation, and we welcome your involvement and input to make a strong local alumni chapter,” said Tony. “Whether in St. Louis or another area, become a part of your local alumni chapter. It’s up to you to shape it into what you want it to be.”

At the St. Louis Alumni Chapter, there are leadership and volunteer opportunities available. Whether a recent graduate or a Golden Bear, the St. Louis Alumni Chapter would love to hear from you. With over 23,000 Bears in St. Louis, get involved and help build a strong community of Bears.

If you’re interested in being part of the St. Louis alumni chapter, email Tony.

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