Randy Hamm, professor of music, received a grant of $1,500 from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) to help support the Third Annual Springfield Jazz Festival.

“The CFO grant money provided important financial support for performers, sound engineers, visiting artist expenses, marketing costs and event management,” said Hamm. “The CFO provides wonderful support to our community and especially the arts. This grant was a key factor in the success of our event, and, as they say, it makes the Ozarks a better place to live.”

The Third Annual Springfield Jazz Festival is a collaborative event between the Missouri State University College of Arts and Letters, City of Springfield, Springfield R-12 Schools, Springfield-Green County Park Board, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Urban Districts Alliance. According to Hamm, the festival is a prime example of the University’s public affairs mission at work – particularly the cultural competence and community engagement components.

Courtesy Missouri State’s Office of University Communications