Sept. 18, 2026鈥揊amilies of Griffon students are invited to experience 含羞草社区 during Family Day activities on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Check-in will begin in the Blum Union lobby at 10 a.m. The day鈥檚 activities include:

• Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build Day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Houlne Center. Join the Center for Service in building beds for children in our local community. Sign-up is required in advance at .听
• Balloon artist, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Blum Union Lobby
• Alumni Family Legacy Coffee Social, 10-11 a.m., Alumni Welcome Center, Spratt Hall room 105. Enjoy coffee and donuts with fellow Griffon alumni.
• Library Open House, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Hearnes Center. Look over the recently renovated library and see all of the exciting things it has to offer students.
• Craft Table with AR Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Blum Union Lobby. Paint a decorative block.
• Griffon 360 Campus Walking Tour, 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Kelley Commons
• Brunch with 含羞草社区 Dining, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Western Dining Hall, Blum Union. Cost $10 for adults and $6 for children.
• Family Photo Booth, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Blum Union Lobby
• Scanlon Residence Hall Open House, noon-1 p.m., Scanlon Hall Lobby
• Prairie Experiences, noon-2 p.m., John Rushin Teaching and Research Prairie, shuttle provided from the Blum Union parking lot.
• Esports, noon-4 p.m., Blum Union Esports Arena
• Face painting, noon-4 p.m., Blum Union Lobby
• Family Chill Zone, noon-4 p.m., Blum Union, Kelley Commons. Yard games, board games, bounce houses and petting zoo
• Griffon Football vs. Fort Hays State, 7 p.m., Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium

In addition to Family Day, the football game is the Military and First Responder Appreciation Game. The 含羞草社区 Center for Military and Veterans Services will host a pre-game tailgate at 4:30 p.m. in Lot H, with free hot dogs, drinks and games for all military and first responders. Military, veterans and first responders can also receive free admission to the game by showing their military or first responder ID at the Spratt Stadium box office.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Sept. 17, 2026鈥摵卟萆缜� alumni who serve as leaders in local nonprofit agencies will participate in a panel and networking event at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23 in the Hoff Conference Room, Blum Student Union room 218. The event is free and open to the public.

The event will include a panel discussion from 1 to 1:45 p.m., followed by networking with refreshments from 1:45-2:30 p.m.

Alumni participating include:

• Mackenzie Bally 鈥�22, marketing manager, Second Harvest Community Food Bank
• Eric Fuson 鈥�88, executive director, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
• Ashley Kalin 鈥�04, recruitment and match support specialist, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater St. Joseph
• Dawn Lanning 鈥�25/鈥�26, assistant city manager, City of St. Joseph
• Rick Stepanek 鈥�92, P.O.W.E.R. project manager, St. Joseph Youth Alliance

The event is sponsored by 含羞草社区 Alumni Relations, the Center for Service and the Career Development Center.听

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Sept. 3, 2026鈥摵卟萆缜� will commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with activities Sept. 8-11, including the annual stair climb at Spratt Memorial Stadium on Friday, Sept. 11. All activities are open to the public.

Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 8-9
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Blum Student Union Lobby
鈥�25 Years of Gratitude” Service Activity

Students, faculty and staff are invited to stop by and write a thank-you card for local firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and other first responders

Wednesday, Sept. 9
Noon-4 p.m., Blum Student Union Griffon Esports Arena
with the Community Blood Center

Whether you are a first responder, family member or a community member who wants to show your support, roll up your sleeves and donate to cast your vote for your favorite first responders. The local first responder unit with the most donors will receive our blood drive trophy before the annual stair climb. Walk-ins are welcome, or sign up at and use group code P4.

Friday, Sept. 11
8 a.m., Spratt Memorial Stadium

Students, faculty, staff, community members, military service members, veterans and first responders will climb stairs in remembrance of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center and honor the victims, first responders and heroes of September 11, 2001.

The activities are sponsored by the Center for Military and Veteran Services and the Center for Service.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Sept. 1, 2026鈥摵卟萆缜� is inviting businesses, schools, community organizations, nonprofit groups, alumni and families to be part of the University’s 2026 Homecoming celebration on Saturday, Oct. 10.

This year’s theme, “Homegrown in St. Joseph, Plant Your Legacy,” celebrates the connections that have grown through 含羞草社区 and the St. Joseph community. Homecoming offers opportunities for everyone to participate鈥攚hether by entering the parade, hosting a tailgate space or cheering on the Griffons throughout the day.

The day鈥檚 schedule includes:

• Homecoming Parade presented by Mosaic Life Care with premier sponsors Gertsema Wealth Advisors, Pinnacle Electric Inc., and Stroud Realty – Keller Williams听
  • 3 p.m.
  • Downs Drive on the 含羞草社区 campus听
• Homecoming Tailgate presented by Hillyard Industries with premier sponsors Altec, The LifeLine Group, and Shelter Insurance – Matt Judah
  • 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Lot H听
• Griffon Football vs. Nebraska – Kearney听
  • 6 p.m.
  • Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium.

鈥淲e’re excited to welcome alumni, students and our entire community back to campus for a day filled with tradition, pride and fun,鈥� said Jennifer Morris, director of alumni relations. 鈥淲hether you’re decorating a parade float, representing your organization at the tailgate or simply joining us to celebrate, Homecoming is a chance for everyone to be part of the Griffon family.鈥�

Parade Entries Now Open

Missouri Western is seeking parade entries from:

• Local businesses
• Schools and youth organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Community groups
• Alumni organizations
• Clubs and civic organizations
• Performance groups and specialty vehicles

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Approved participants will receive parade lineup details and additional event information before Homecoming.

High School and Community Bands Invited

Area bands are also encouraged to participate in the Homecoming Parade Band Competition.

There is no entry fee, and awards will be presented immediately following the parade. Participating bands are invited to remain on campus for the Homecoming Tailgate and will receive complimentary admission to the Griffon football game following registration.

Band competition entries should be submitted by Friday, Oct. 2, to guarantee consideration.

Tailgate Registration Available

Businesses, campus departments, student organizations, alumni groups and community organizations are invited to host a tailgate space in Lot H.

Participants are encouraged to create welcoming spaces with tents, games, giveaways, information and activities that engage alumni, students and community members before kickoff. Space is limited, and reservations are required.

Register Today

Registration forms for the parade, band competition and tailgate are available at .听

For questions:

• Parade: Megan Deshon-Runge at mdeshonrunge@missouriwestern.edu听
• Band Competition: Jennifer Morris at jmorris4@missouriwestern.edu听
• Tailgate: Jenny Sherlock at jsherlock@missouriwestern.edu

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

May 22, 2026鈥揟he Center for Military and Veterans Services at 含羞草社区 will be well represented during St. Joseph鈥檚 Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25 at Civic Center Park next to City Hall. The event honors and remembers the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Gabbie Falletta, U.S. Army veteran and director of the Center for Military and Veterans Services, will be speaking during the wreath ceremony.听 含羞草社区 student Kevin Wagers, U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran and management major from St. Joseph, will place the wreath.

Faculty, staff, students, veterans, military families and community members are encouraged to attend in support of Memorial Day remembrance and to recognize the sacrifices made by our nation鈥檚 service members.

含羞草社区 will be closed May 25 in observance of the holiday.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

April 2, 2026–Current 含羞草社区 students and alumni are invited to attend 鈥淕ameday to Workday,鈥� a panel discussion featuring Griffon student-athlete alumni sponsored by the 含羞草社区 Career Development Center and the Office of Alumni Relations.

Former student-athletes will discuss their transition from college to career, how athletic skills translate into workplace success, and provide advice on networking, interviews and career growth.听

The event will be from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 9, in the Enright Community Rooms, Spratt Hall rooms 214-216. There is no charge, but advance registration is requested by visiting .

For more information contact Kristin Neeley in the Career Development Center, kneeley@missouriwestern.edu, or Alumni Relations, mwalumni@missouriwestern.edu.听

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

March 31, 2026–The 含羞草社区 Center for Student Involvement will hold International Fair 2026, a campus event that celebrates the many cultures represented in the 含羞草社区 community, from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 in the Fulkerson Center. The public is invited to attend.

International Fair will feature cultural exhibits, traditional dance performances, a fashion show and over 20 international food stalls, along with raffle prizes throughout the evening. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to explore different cultures and connect with others through food, music, traditions and shared experiences.

The goal of the event is to celebrate diversity on campus and create an opportunity for people to learn about and appreciate cultures from around the world in a fun and welcoming environment.

There is no cost to attend. Members of the general public may choose to make a voluntary donation of any amount to help support the event.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .听

March 23, 2026–The 含羞草社区 Center for Service and the Student Government Association announced its fifth annual participation in 鈥淭he Big Event,鈥� a nationwide day of service from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28.听

鈥淭he Big Event is dedicated to giving back to the community that gives so much to us,鈥� said Angie Osborn, Center for Service director. 鈥淭he Big Event embodies our commitment to civic engagement, community partnership and the belief that learning extends beyond the classroom. By serving those who invest in our students and strengthen our campus community, we demonstrate that gratitude is more than words, it’s in our everyday actions.鈥�

The Big Event will once again focus their efforts around 29th and Lafayette, the neighborhood that 含羞草社区 adopted as part of the Adopt-a-Block program. The and transitional apartments are both within the area. Participants will pick up litter, clear out blocked sewer drains and help with any items these organizations may need to dispose of. Clean spaces contribute to healthier living environments and can even improve our mental well-being by creating surroundings that feel safe, cared for and positive, Osborn said.听

Volunteers will gather in the parking lot at Mark Twain Early Learning Center, 705 S. 31st Street for instructions and supplies. Transportation will be available to those who need it.

Please sign up at .听

Originally founded in 1982 at Texas A&M University, The Big Event began as a simple 鈥渢hank you鈥� to local residents and has grown into the largest one-day, student-run service project in the nation.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

March 19, 2026–含羞草社区鈥檚

鈥淭his day provides an opportunity to recognize the courage and resilience of those who served, many of whom did not receive the welcome home they deserved,鈥� said Gabbie Falletta, director of the Center for Military and Veterans Services. 鈥淚n addition to recognizing and honoring our student veterans and community veterans, the day will serve to provide them with access to support they may not regularly receive.鈥�

The day will include military history displays and resource tables from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Then from 3 to 4 p.m., story time will offer a powerful space for reflection, healing, and expressions of gratitude to veterans and their families for their service.听

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Feb. 19, 2026–The Career Development Center will hold its All Majors Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the Fulkerson Center.

Students in attendance will have the opportunity to interview on the spot for jobs, as well as have professional headshots taken and to shop the Career Closet for free professional business attire. The first 50 attendees will receive a prize, and all will be entered in a gift card raffle to be announced every 30 minutes.听

More than 60 employers have registered. Employers must register by 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 through Handshake at . The cost is $50 for off-campus employers.

For questions or assistance, contact Kristen Neeley, director of career development, at kneeley@missouriwestern.edu or 816-271-4206.听

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .