It’s May! That means commencement is just around the corner. It’s a big event for our graduating seniors. For the campus community, it’s a culmination of the work of literally thousands of people that’s been years in the making for each and every student.

Making an impact from the get-go

Informally, we may begin to imprint on students when friends or family bring them to campus for athletic events, musical events, Bearfest Village, Homecoming parades or even Halloween in the Halls.

They experience a lively campus that comes to life each season through the good work of grounds and maintenance crews. They may eat in the dining halls or visit the PSU. Maybe they attend a camp or an academic competition at MSU – we have so many offerings throughout the year.

Formally, it begins with admissions. The office begins reaching out to prospective students when they are sophomores in high school with postcard series about MSU. This continues through their senior year when after a lot of work, they apply, are admitted and then choose to attend Missouri State.

There are a variety of intentional “touches” that take place during the recruiting process as we encourage our prospective students to become a Bear – campus tours, visits with faculty, fall and spring showcase, to name a few.

Once they enroll and arrive at MSU, other members of campus step in to ensure the success of our students – faculty, advisors, the student success team, financial aid, res life, athletics, etc.

Then following years of work by the students and the campus “village,” they graduate. They become successful alumni and with hope, they become part of this process for the next generation of students.

Hats off to all of us

This is who we are and what we do.  At times, there are so many singular issues that consume our attention and energy that we may forget our stated mission, vision and values. I was reminded of them by one of our presenters at the Collaborative Diversity Conference last week.

We’ve had some challenging years, but we press on with a campus that focuses on innovation in academics and student support.

In about a week, we’ll issue a news release on the number of bachelors, masters, doctorate and specialist degrees that will be conferred, who will speak at each commencement ceremony and other important details.

But in the meantime, take a moment and pat yourself on the back. We expect to have 2,000-plus graduates and they are graduating because of their hard work and your hard work.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif