Happy Birthday, Missouri State

While students were enjoying spring break last week, the university marked its 118th birthday on March 17.

But did you know that in 1899 the State Fruit Experiment Station, located in Mountain Grove, was established by the Missouri Legislature? It remained a state agency until 1974, when it became part of what is now Missouri State University, making it the oldest segment of the university.

It’s just one of those little noted facts that makes the history of the university so interesting. Thanks to the hard work and dedication from many people through the years, we’ve risen from a Normal School for teachers to a state university granting professional doctorates.

There is still so much growth to achieve as our reputation continues to expand across the state and beyond. From Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) and the efactory in IDEA Commons to our newest combined college, we are doing great things for our students, Springfield and Missouri through the current efforts of faculty and staff.

Giving Day 2023

And you know, much of this growth couldn’t happen without the fundraising work of the Missouri State Foundation.

We held our second annual Giving Day over March 1 and 2. It was a phenomenal success.

The goal was to inspire 2,000 people to contribute to an area that meant the most to them throughout the university’s colleges, units, programs and athletics teams.

• 2,179 donors participated from 45 states and 10 countries.
• $1,604,181 was raised for 180 areas across campus.

Multiple programs across the university benefitted from Giving Day Ambassadors’ challenges.

It was a spectacular 36 hours of giving! I can’t wait to do it again next year.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State. And don’t forget, the official MSU Birthday Celebration will take place tomorrow from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Plaster Student Union.

Clif