Dear Fellow Alumni,

Like everyone else, the Missouri Western Alumni Association has learned to adjust to our “new normal” according to COVID-19 protocols. And, like everyone else, we are looking forward to a return to normalcy. What usually is a fall full of activities became a campus in a holding pattern waiting for a chance to host an event. In true Griffon spirit a few events were able to be held.

The first campus event was the delayed Spring 2020 Commencement. After a few delays, Griffon graduates were able to enjoy their well-deserved recognition on Saturday, September 20. Two hundred eight spring 2020 and summer 2020 grads were honored in two socially distanced ceremonies held on Craig Field. We are thankful for all who made this opportunity happen.

Most athletic seasons were canceled or postponed, but through the hard work and determination of our Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Josh Looney, the Griffon football team and the Griffon cross country team were able to hold a few competitions. The Alumni Association took part in a socially distanced Football Watch Party held at Spratt Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 31. Attendees enjoyed watching the livestream of the game as the Griffons took on the University of Central Arkansas. Food, contests, performances and giveaways added to the atmosphere of the afternoon. The Griffon men’s and women’s basketball seasons are currently underway, and even though we all may not be able to be in attendance, we can tune in to follow their competitions. I know many alumni are looking forward to the days when sporting events return to normal. Please watch for information about our spring sports programs and our postponed fall sports that may be competing during the spring.

One of my favorite alumni highlights of the fall is the Annual Alumni Awards Banquet which is held in conjunction with homecoming weekend. This year marked the 38th year of honoring the accomplishments of our alumni. Plans were made to produce a virtual awards ceremony, but like so many other events, those plans pivoted. We were able to gather the award winners in a small gathering on Nov. 6, and recognized them during halftime of the football game on Nov. 7. This year we recognized Patrick Modlin ’83 as our Distinguished Alumni, Dr. Regan Dodd as the Distinguished Faculty, and Isaac Collins ’11 as the Graduate of the Last Decade. Greg VerMulm ’89, Brett Esely ’01, and Lee Murdock ’10 were honored as Great Griffons by their respective college and school. Mary Shuman was awarded the Iffert Award for her outstanding service to the university. Student Leadership Awards were presented to Jordan (Jay) Alford ’20, Federica Salmaso ’20 and Merle Phillips ’20. I always leave this awards night impressed and inspired!

In December, the Alumni Board and Foundation Board challenged each other in a Western League for Excellence Rally. Members of the respective boards formed teams and held a friendly competition to see which board could increase membership in the Western League for Excellence. Through these efforts, 235 new members were recruited. I believe most competitors would agree that Missouri Western is the real winner here with so many new League members. If you find that you are interested in more information about joining the League, please contact the Alumni Office. League for Excellence memberships are available at several different levels starting at $100 per year. The funds raised through these memberships are unrestricted. These funds are used in a variety of ways, such as helping students with travel expenses when presenting at conferences, matching funds for grants, hosting community enrichment conferences and numerous other ways. Your membership in support of Missouri Western would be appreciated and is a fantastic way to show your alumni support of MWSU.

I know we are all anxiously anticipating a return to normal, but I would like to close by repeating a statement made by Greg VerMulm in his acceptance of the Great Griffon award. Greg stated that he strives to always be “Faithful, Proud and True” in all aspects of his life. What a wonderful sentiment!

Please stay safe and well, Griffon Alumni!

Go Griffs,

Mary Hausman Workman ’75

President, MWSU Alumni Association