R.E.A.L. Bears has been on a remarkable journey this past year.  Many changes have come to us: the welcoming in of a new Graduate Assistant, Kelsie Young, and a new Staff Advisor as well, Candice Wolf.  These, as well as the new executive team and general members, has allowed R.E.A.L. Bears to develop into an organization filled with the most amazing students that Missouri State University has to offer.  All of these individuals have brought with them amazing new energy and dynamics, boosting and reshaping the organization.

We’ve had some great strides as a group and made many amazing new memories and friends in just this last year alone.  Whether it’s bonding over picking up trash for Adopt-a-Street, or doing the bunny hop with the Sugar Bears and looking ridiculous at the Homecoming Dinner in the process, we have paved the road for future members.  It’s been an exemplary year of setting the standard for new traditions with the introduction of so many fresh perspectives.  There have been some growing pains as we continue to expand, as any group might face.  But the overwhelming ability for this group to rise to the occasion and always be able to accomplish what is needed is inspiring and has only made our organization stronger for it.

Having the privilege of being a member of R.E.A.L. Bears for the past three years of my academic career, and now President, I only have great things to say about the student alumni organization.  It is incredible to witness with the start of each year events such as Homecoming, Skyboxes, Philanthropy events, and everything else that we do, approached with a revived vigor by its members.  As members, both students and faculty, cycle through, the energy and enthusiasm of being a R.E.A.L. Bear never dies.  It is because of the spirit of being a Bear at Missouri State University that we continue to have such a strong dedication to our university and alumni.  Being a current and past member of R.E.A.L. Bears, or the S.A.A., has shaped us all positively in some way.  Even though the faces of our organization change, the sentiment and heart of being a Bear remain a constant and can be expected of all our members.

It is true that members have come and gone, but being a Bear is something that never leaves us.  It is because of this invested excitement I know that R.E.A.L. Bears is in great hands.  Those of the former S.A.A., current members of R.E.A.L. Bears, and future members all share a stake in making the organization what it has become and will become.  The future of Missouri State University and R.E.A.L. Bears has never looked brighter.  We continue to keep the same principles that this organization was established on so many years ago and share in the legacy of this great university.  The tradition of being a Bear continues to be passed on to extremely capable new hands, and for that reason, I am extremely confident in the future of this organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zach Porting; Jefferson City, Mo
Anthropology and Spanish