It’s Homecoming week – my first at Missouri State University! I’m very excited to embrace the entire experience. It looks like I’m going to be busy over the next few days.

First, what a great time to meet alums who are returning to campus. I love to hear stories about their experience at Missouri State and about their successful lives and careers. Of course, we’ll be celebrating this year’s Golden Bears (50th reunion), those who graduated in the class of 1974. MO State has certainly transformed in the last 50 years from a college to a university, from SMS to MSU, with so many new academic programs, degrees and certificates.

Our current students drive the week with events like Rock Star tonight and Live at MSU Thursday night at Hammons Student Center. They also manage and participate in the Band of Bears Homecoming Parade on Saturday morning. I hear the campus community and citizens of Springfield really turn out for this fun event. Kristin and I will be right in the mix and excited to participate.

My family is coming to town to attend the presidential inauguration from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday at Juanita K. Hammons Hall. We’ll also attend Jelly Roll as a family on Wednesday night at Great Southern Bank Arena. To be honest, I think that’s the real reason they’re coming for a visit.

Meetings

We’ll also take care of business with Board of Governors meetings on Friday. In addition, Brent Dunn and his team will oversee a full schedule of foundation trustee meetings on Thursday and Friday as they finalize their new long-range plan and welcome new and associate trustees.

Wall of Fame

Late Friday afternoon is an exciting time for several of our retired faculty and staff as we welcome six new members to the Wall of Fame during the Induction Ceremony from 4-5 p.m. outside of the Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom.

They include Cindi Barnett, Julie Ebersold, Dr. Jack Knight, Dr. Rhonda Ridinger, Dr. Belva Worthen Prather and Nancy Schanda. This is a wonderful way to recognize them for their years of service and contributions to Missouri State.

We’ll cap off the weekend with a football game versus Indiana State University. We’re riding a four-game winning streak that we hope to extend to five on Saturday!

Although I’ve just highlighted a few events, there are many other alumni and student events taking place and I hope you’ll join in the festivities. Have a fantastic Homecoming week.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff