R.E.A.L. Review

A publication for current and former R.E.A.L. Bears

Bear Spirit in Action

by

R.E.A.L. Bears perform a clean-up at least three times each year along their adopted street, a section of Luster Avenue in Springfield.
R.E.A.L. Bears perform a clean-up at least three times each year along their adopted street, a section of Luster Avenue in Springfield.

While the R.E.A.L. Bears organization has many goals, one of the commitments of this dynamic group is service, not only to the campus, but surrounding community. R.E.A.L. Bears sponsors strive to provide a range of service activities that will challenge students to expand their awareness of both campus and community needs. Students receive valuable experience while participating in various community service initiatives. These programs help students develop their leadership skills, learn about themselves and their community and give back in a meaningful way.

R.E.A.L. Bears complete a number of unique service activities each year. During the 2011-2012 school year students have collected food items for Ozarks Food Harvest, mittens during the month of December for Goodwill and pop tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald Tooth Truck. Students participate in the City of Springfield Adopt-A-Street program, volunteering to help keep city streets free of litter and debris. In addition, R.E.A.L. Bears worked to commemorate the lives of those who have battled cancer and show support for cancer survivors by participating in Relay for Life MSU- All Collegiate held April 13 at Plaster Sports Complex. The R.E.A.L. Bears Relay for Life team collected approximately $700 to support the American Cancer Society through donations and a variety of fundraisers held during the Spring semester.

In recognition of their outstanding philanthropy efforts, R.E.A.L. Bears received the Service/Volunteer Program Award at the 2012 Missouri State STAR Awards. Nick Reinagel is serving his second school year as R.E.A.L. Bears Philanthropy Chair. Established in 2010, the R.E.A.L. Bears Philanthropy Chair is responsible for the organization and execution of all R.E.A.L. Bears philanthropy efforts. “Service is important to me because it is has and will always be my passion to help others,” Reinagel said. “I believe it is important to be active not only on campus, but in the community. This is why I accepted the philanthropy chair position for R.E.A.L. Bears. I felt this was an opportunity to motivate members of R.E.A.L. Bears to get involved in the community. I didn’t just want students to get volunteer hours – I wanted them to feel good about helping others because they are truly making a difference. R.E.A.L. Bears members have shown great interest in our community. I am proud of all the hard work that they have accomplished.”

SAA/R.E.A.L. Bears alumni are welcome to attend R.E.A.L. Bears events and service programs. Please contact the Alumni Association at alumni@missouristate.edu if you are interested in being a part of R.E.A.L. Bears events.