During the Spring 2024 commencements, Missouri State awarded an impressive 3,078 degrees.

The day prior, graduates celebrated with fellow classmates one last time before receiving their diploma.

The class of 2024 is the second cohort of graduates to enjoy Grad Bash, a campus tradition introduced by the Alumni Association to congratulate new graduates.

Much like last year, the free event featured outdoor field games and activities, including an inflatable obstacle course, a mechanical bull and other attractions. Graduates enjoyed food and drinks, a live DJ and photo booth opportunities to capture the memorable event.

So, what makes this year different?

Assistant Director of Student and Young Alumni Engagement, Arianna Gardner, shares that not only did event attendance triple in one year, but the number of graduates who gave to their Senior Class Gift more than doubled.

The 2024 Senior Class Gift encourages seniors to make a gift in support of a MSU program they care about most, showcasing the university’s public affairs mission.

Senior Class President Paige Paxton led the campaign encouraging classmates to join her in building ‘a legacy of gratitude’ among Missouri State alumni. She set a goal of doubling the Class of 2023’s number of total donors.

“The Senior Class Gift is an initiative to allow graduating seniors to give back to the places on campus that have impacted them the most during their time at Missouri State,” Paxton said in a video promoting the campaign.

The campaign was shared across campus, educating seniors on the impact that philanthropy has on what it means to be a Bear.

“I am pleased to say that the Class of ‘24 has had 361 total donors and crushed (our) goal!” Paxton shared in the days following commencement.

As a token of appreciation, graduates who gave to their Senior Class Gift received a limited-edition class year mug and a donor cord to wear during commencement.

A legacy of gratitude

“It was such a good feeling to see so many graduates with their donor cords during commencement,” Gardner says.

“THE GENEROSITY OF THIS SEMESTER’S GRADUATES IS REFLECTIVE OF THE VALUES IN OUR PUBLIC AFFAIRS MISSION.”

“When you give back to Missouri State, you become a part of its future,” Gardner adds. “You are investing in future Bears and making sure that they receive the same opportunities you did, if not more.”

The Alumni Association is looking forward to making more memories with future graduates. Fall 2024 graduates can celebrate their accomplishments at the Winter Grad Finale in December.

With over 150,000 living alumni across the globe, MSU graduates are Bears for Life.

All alumni are encouraged to update their information with the Alumni Association and connect to their local Alumni Chapter to continue their Missouri State experience.

Alumni Chapters and Affinity Groups offer personal and professional development opportunities that ensure Bears thrive beyond campus. They also provide a channel to support the university through giving, volunteering, mentorship and advocacy. Several Chapters are hosting welcome events this summer as well.

Contact the Missouri State Alumni Association to learn more about how to get involved.