The Missouri Western State University Alumni Association Board of Directors announces two new categories of alumni recognition to be given out during Homecoming 2017. The Great Griffon Awards will recognize alumni from each college and school who exhibit outstanding contributions to the workforce, society or the University. The Alumni Student Leadership Awards will recognize three graduating awards with the Clifford Hughes ’55 Student of Color Award, the International Student of the Year Award and the Senior of the Year Award.

“The Alumni Association will continue to present the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) award, the Herb ’35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Award for Outstanding Service to the University and the Distinguished Faculty Award,” said Alumni Association President Mary Vaughan ’79. “The Great Griffon Awards allow us to honor those alumni who do good work each and every day. The Alumni Student Leadership Awards acknowledge our graduating seniors who have been student leaders during their time on campus.”

Nominees for the Great Griffon Awards must have graduated at least one year between graduation and nomination or completed at least 24 credit hours at any Missouri Western institution, do not have to work in their degree field and must bring pride to Missouri Western through their career achievements, volunteerism, or humanitarianism. To nominate someone for a Great Griffon Award, e-mail Colleen Kowich at ckowich@missouriwestern.edu and answer the following questions:

  1. Why should this nominee be considered a Great Griffon?
  2. Please list any known career achievements and/or community service

This year’s awards will be presented during the 35th annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Friday, Oct. 27, during Homecoming Week.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.