College of Arts and Letters alumnus Monte Kuklenski will be recognized among the 2014 Bears of Distinction at the Alumni Association awards banquet during Homecoming. Kuklenski graduate from the University in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree from the department of theatre and dance.

About Kuklenski

Now a Los Angeles resident and senior vice president of facilities and construction for Fox Networks Engineering and Operations, Kuklenski came up during the storied era of Missouri State theatre, sharing the stage with friends John Goodman, Jack Laufer, Tess Harper and Kathleen Turner. He went on to study directing and production at Southwest Methodist University, graduating with a master’s degree in 1980 and began his career at Fox in 1988.

Kuklenski’s parents, both MSU grads, met in the MSU band, His late dad, Dr. Joe E. Kuklenski Jr., was superintendent of Springfield Public Schools from 1970-81, and won the Distinguished Bears award in 1983. Monte’s sisters, Jill Scruggs, and Julie Peck are also grads.

About the Distinguished Bears Dinner and Awards Ceremony

Missouri State University alumni and friends are invited to pay tribute to an exemplary group of Bears for their notable successes. Alumni and former faculty will be honored for their dedication, professional achievements and loyalty to Missouri State. The evening will include a social hour, dinner and entertainment by Missouri State musicians and performers. For further information please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 417-836-5654.

Date: Friday, Oct. 17, 2014

Time: Social time at 6 p.m.; Dinner at 6:45 p.m.

Location: University Plaza Convention Center, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy.

Cost: $30 per person. Reservations requested.