Election Day is today. As I mentioned last week, any voter registered in Greene County can vote at JQH Arena today.

I encourage all members of the university community to vote in this important election.

Honoring veterans

Missouri State University will honor the Springfield community’s military veterans during a special Veterans Day event at 6 p.m. Nov. 5, at Plaster Stadium. All veterans, family and friends are invited to attend.

Masks will be required.

The celebration will feature the following:

• Pride Band Performance Series: Salute to Our Veterans.
• Special playing of Taps.
• Military Branch Service Song.
• Special message from a member of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
• Special appearance by K-9s for CAMO.
• Free package of All American Mix popcorn (cherry, blue raspberry and vanilla) to the first 1,000 attendees.

This event will take the place of the Veterans Day breakfast gathering that we have traditionally hosted on campus. I encourage everyone to participate in this special celebration of our veterans on Nov. 5.

Submit SEUSA nominations

The Staff Excellence in University Service Award recognizes excellence in service to the university among staff employees. Through this award, the university recognizes staff who strive to do their jobs well on a daily basis, who go beyond the call of duty in a special situation, and who have contributed in a significant way to the success of the university.

Each year, six full-time staff receive this award, which includes a one-time $1,500 award.

The deadline to nominate a staff member is Nov. 13. You can review the selection criteria and complete a nomination form on the Staff Excellence in University Service Award webpage.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!