In this issue, I focus on one of our public affairs signature events.
Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame
Last week we announced this year’s inductees to the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame and I am excited about this second class of George Washington Carver, Eric Greitens and Simone Bernstein.
Carver worked to diversify crops in the South
George Washington Carver used innovative farming methods to convince Southern farmers to grow soil enriching crops like soybeans and peanuts. Carver came to public attention in 1921 with his captivating testimony before a U.S. Congress House committee debating a peanut tariff bill.
Former Navy SEAL authored this year’s Common Reader
Eric Greitens served as a United States Navy SEAL officer and deployed four times to Afghanistan, Southeast Asia, the Horn of Africa and Iraq. After returning from Iraq, Greitens donated his combat pay to found The Mission Continues, a national nonprofit organization that challenges veterans to serve in communities across America. His book “The Heart and the Fist” was read by all our freshmen this year.
Young humanitarian encourages teens to volunteer
Simone Bernstein and her brother launched VolunTEEN Nation, a national youth-led non-profit organization. More than 83,500 youth have found volunteer opportunities through VolunTEEN Nation, engaging in more than a million service hours.
Tickets available for induction banquet
We will honor this year’s inductees during our annual Public Affairs Conference in April. The induction ceremony and banquet will occur on April 17 at the White River Conference Room with a reception at 6 p.m. and the dinner and induction ceremony at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35.
I encourage all members of the University community to purchase tickets online and attend this event. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to interact with state and community leaders and honor our inductees.
Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!