Fellow Alumni, 

It’s a great day to be a Griffon! Missouri Western State University remains an institution committed to student success while fostering a spirit of excellence. As an extension of the institution and valued partner, the Alumni Association allows us to maintain lifelong friendships and establish professional connections among members of multiple generations. In collaboration with our beloved alma mater, we will achieve our goals as we strive to engage, evolve and elevate during this vital season of the 51-year existence of the Alumni Association. 

During our spring retreat, members of the Alumni Board were able to speak with students participating in our new esports program. The Griffon Esports Arena is amazing and has state of the art technology! Students reported that they were excited and spent numerous hours in the Blum Student Union joining the fun associated with competitive gaming. In addition, we also visited the Campus Cupboard. This is an outstanding resource within the division of Student Affairs that provides canned goods and other nonperishable items. Many alumni and local businesses provided monetary donations during the pandemic to assist those in need. 

How have you considered becoming engaged with the Alumni Association? As a Missouri Western State University community member, we want to ensure that you remain engaged at a comfortable level. There are numerous opportunities for you to volunteer and attend events in your local area or on campus. The annual Alumni Awards Banquet will be held on Oct. 15 and we hope to see you there! Walking across campus and throughout the buildings is complete nostalgia. Although the ability to revisit the past is present, the visual signs of the future are quite impressive. Each year, we work together to create new memories while reflecting on our past experiences, which helped us become who we are today. 

We must evolve! As such, the Alumni Board is working to establish a virtual professional development program that will be open to all alumni. Your attendance will allow you to expand your network while sharpening your skills for the workplace. In addition, we will integrate opportunities for you to insert your voice as we make every effort to achieve our annual measurable outcomes. 

With your assistance, the Alumni Association will elevate Missouri Western State University and expand our reach across the country to potential undergraduate and graduate students who will in the future refer to themselves as Griffons. As we enter into this next phase of our history, we look forward to the fellowship and lots of fun. Please remember to share your fantastic news with us by completing an alumni note with the Alumni Relations Office, and know that there is much excitement to represent an institution committed to transforming lives! 

Yours in service, 

Lai-Monté Hunter ’99 

Alumni Association President