Sept. 17, 2026–���߲����� 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 ’22, marketing manager, Second Harvest Community Food Bank
• Eric Fuson ’88, executive director, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
• Ashley Kalin ’04, recruitment and match support specialist, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater St. Joseph
• Dawn Lanning ’25/’26, assistant city manager, City of St. Joseph
• Rick Stepanek ’92, P.O.W.E.R. project manager, St. Joseph Youth Alliance

The event is sponsored by ���߲����� Alumni Relations, the Center for Service and the Career Development Center.��

���߲����� is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. ���߲����� 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–���߲����� 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 ���߲����� and the St. Joseph community. Homecoming offers opportunities for everyone to participate—whether by entering the parade, hosting a tailgate space or cheering on the Griffons throughout the day.

The day’s schedule includes:

• Homecoming Parade presented by Mosaic Life Care with premier sponsors Gertsema Wealth Advisors, Pinnacle Electric Inc., and Stroud Realty – Keller Williams��
  • 3 p.m.
  • Downs Drive on the ���߲����� campus��
• 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��
• Griffon Football vs. Nebraska – Kearney��
  • 6 p.m.
  • Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium.

“We’re excited to welcome alumni, students and our entire community back to campus for a day filled with tradition, pride and fun,” said Jennifer Morris, director of alumni relations. “Whether 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.”

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 .��

For questions:

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

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

Aug. 6, 2026–The ���߲����� Alumni Association will honor nine individuals at the annual Alumni Award Banquet during Homecoming Week. The banquet will be held on Oct. 9 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Fulkerson Center. The event is open to everyone, and the cost is $40 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets to the banquet, visit

Honorees are listed below.

Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest award given to a ���߲����� alum, recognizes alumni for their career and professional achievements, civic contributions, service to the University and other qualities that reflect Griffon values. There are two recipients this year:

• Shawn P. Malone ’87, self-employed entrepreneur, former Army Officer and General Electric executive

• Kimberly Weddle ’00, ���߲�����’s executive director of development

The Distinguished Faculty Award is given to a current faculty member in recognition of a lasting influence on students, excellence in teaching, career accomplishments and professional and ethical standards.��

• Dr. Pam Clary, professor of social work

The Graduate Of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award recognizes those early in their career who have had outstanding achievements and accomplishments. The nominee must have received his or her initial degree from ���߲����� within ten years of June 1 of the year of recognition.

• Makenna Snyder Hood ‘17 occupational therapist, graduate and research assistant at the University of Kansas Medical Center.��

The Herb ’35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University recognizes an alum, retiree or other friend of the university who has shown outstanding and continuous commitment to ���߲�����’s mission, vision and legacy.��

• Rick Leahy, retired technical operations coordinator in the ���߲����� theatre department and longtime audio-video technical support for Griffon Athletics

The Great Griffon Awards recognize alumni from each college and school who exhibit outstanding contributions to the workforce, society or the university. This year’s recipients are:

• College of Science and Health: Philana Blakely ’01, senior organizational change management consultant at CSG Government Solutions
• College of Liberal Arts: Shawna Jackson ’93, managing director at Bully Pulpit International (BPI)
• College of Business and Professional Studies: Fr. Richard Rocha ’87, Catholic chaplain for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals

The Alumni Student Leadership Awards recognize students graduating in December or May of the current academic year who have made a significant impact on the University through leadership, volunteerism or humanitarianism. This year’s recipient is:

• Graduating Student of the Year: Maya Burnsides ’25, graduated in December with a Bachelor of Science in Biology concentrated in Health Science. She graduated with general honors. She is currently working toward a master’s degree.

���߲����� is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. ���߲����� 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 ���߲����� students and alumni are invited to attend “Gameday to Workday,” a panel discussion featuring Griffon student-athlete alumni sponsored by the ���߲����� 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.��

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.��

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

Oct. 29, 2025–���߲�����’s Alumni Relations will host a puzzle competition at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Student Success Hub in Hearnes Center Library.

Alumni, students, and friends of ���߲����� are invited to this free event and to see the newly renovated library.

Build a team of up to six people, and race against other teams to complete the same 500-piece puzzle. The fastest team to finish will win a prize.

Spots are available for 20 teams. Maximum of six people per team.

Register by Nov. 6 at .

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

Sept. 26, 2025–���߲����� will round up Griffons��and Griffon fans for Wild ���߲����� homecoming 2025 with a week full of activities beginning on Monday, Sept. 29.

The ���߲����� Student Nurses Association and the Community Blood Center invite students, faculty, staff and the public to roll up their sleeves and help save a life through a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29 in Blum Union rooms 222 and 223. Donors can drop in or pre-register at .

The Career Development Center will host its annual Internship & Part-Time Job Fair in the Fulkerson Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 in the Fulkerson Center. The first 50 students will receive gifts.

Also on Tuesday, students will dance the night away at a Silent Disco from 8 to 11 p.m. in Blum Student Union, rooms 218-219.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, students, faculty and staff are invited to join Wild ���߲����� Night at the Pony Express Museum from 6 to 8 p.m. Complimentary drinks will be provided by Hazel’s Coffeebego, and participants will have the chance to carve pumpkins in preparation for Pumpkin Fest. A shuttle will be provided for students to and from Blum Union.

A pep rally will be held at the Bill Snyder Pavilion at Spratt Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2. Performances by Griffon Spirit Groups, the Athletics Band and Greek life organizations will help prepare the Griffon sports teams for their weekend of competition. Food will be provided. The pep rally is free and open to the public.

The community is encouraged to come out and cheer on the Griffons with a variety of men’s and women’s sports throughout the weekend.��

���߲����� celebrates with weekend matchups beginning on Friday, Oct. 3. Volleyball takes on Nebraska-Kearney at 6 p.m. in the Looney Complex. Soccer faces Newman in Spratt Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ���߲����� volleyball is ranked No. 24 in the nation with a record of 8-3 so far this season, while women’s soccer is the only undefeated team in the MIAA with a record of 4-0-1. To purchase tickets for all athletics events, visit .��

Friday evening features the 43rd annual Missouri Western Alumni Awards Banquet presented by E.L. Crawford beginning at 6 p.m. in the Fulkerson Center. Registration is required.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, the homecoming festivities start early with men’s and women’s cross country hosting the Griffon Invite beginning at 8 a.m. at the MWSU Cross Country Course, located on 50th Street east of the residential halls.

Volleyball competes against Fort Hays State at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Looney Complex.��

The Homecoming Parade presented by Mosaic Life Care returns to the ���߲����� campus bigger and better than ever at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The parade will start in Lot B, in front of the Hearnes Center, and travel counterclockwise around Downs Drive, ending in Lot H. Spectators can enter campus via James McCarthy Drive from Faraon Street or Southwest University Drive from Mitchell and are encouraged to park in Lots C, E, F or G, near Blum Student Union. The parade will feature the ���߲����� Athletics Band, several high school marching bands, the Moila Shriners and several floats by student groups and the community. The top entries in several categories will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Premier sponsors for the parade are Gertsema Wealth Advisors and Tieman Spencer & Hicks.

Immediately following the parade, the Tailgate and Autumn Family Festival presented by Hillyard will begin at 4 p.m. in Lot H, in front of Baker Family Fitness Center. The tailgate includes several food trucks; kid-friendly activities such as face painting, bubbles, princesses, balloon artists, and more; henna tattoos; permanent jewelry; a classic car show; departments from each ���߲����� college and more. Premier sponsors for the tailgate are Altec, Pinnacle Electric Inc., and Shelter Insurance – Matt Judah.

The full day wraps up with Griffon football kicking off against Emporia State at 6 p.m. in Spratt Stadium. Homecoming Royalty will be crowned, and all female student-athlete alums in attendance will be recognized as part of the 50 years of women’s sports celebration.

Homecoming activities will conclude on Sunday, Oct. 5 with a Black Alumni Ten Year Reunion at noon in the Blum Student Union and a Griffon soccer match against Central Oklahoma at 1 p.m. in Spratt Stadium.

The social media sponsor of ���߲����� Homecoming is Moss Marketing Group.

For a full list of activities, details and registrations, visit .

���߲����� is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. ���߲����� 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, 2025–The ���߲����� Alumni Association will honor 11 individuals during Homecoming Week at the 43rd annual Alumni Awards Banquet presented by E.L. Crawford Construction, Inc. The banquet will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 in the Fulkerson Center. The event is open to everyone and the cost is $40 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit .��

Distinguished Alumni Award: Jim Reinert ’73��

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given to a Missouri Western alum. It recognizes living alumni for their career and professional achievements; civic contributions within their local community, state or nation; service to the University and other qualities that reflect the values of Missouri Western. This award is given to alumni with a difference of at least 11 years between attendance and nomination.

This year’s recipient is Jim Reinert. A St. Joseph native, Reinert is a Vietnam Veteran and a Bronze Star recipient, serving in the United States Army from 1968-1971. After returning to St. Joseph, he attended Missouri Western College and graduated with a degree in business management and marketing. His varied work experience includes Arthur Young & Company as a principal in their Management Consulting Group. Reinert recently retired from DST Systems as an executive officer after 25 years.��

Graduate Of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: Colton Saunders ’18��

The GOLD Award recognizes those early in their career who have had outstanding achievements and accomplishments. The award is based on professional and educational achievements, community activities, honors and awards received and other noteworthy items of merit since graduation. The nominee must have received his or her initial degree from ���߲����� within ten years of June 1 of the year of recognition.

This year’s recipient is Colton Saunders, a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Before joining Edward Jones, he owned and operated a business for ten years. He earned his CFP® certification in 2023 and qualified for the 2024 Edward Jones Momentum conference, recognizing the firm’s top advisors. Colton earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from ���߲�����, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2018. Today, he, his wife and son proudly call St. Joseph home.

The Herb ’35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University: Dr. Robert ’94 & Kimberly ’93 Sigrist

The Iffert Award recognizes an alum, retiree or other friend of the university who has shown outstanding and continuous commitment to ���߲�����’s mission, vision and legacy. This award recognizes one’s service as a positive liaison between the university and the region of northwest Missouri, as well as consistent dedication to the advancement and preservation of ���߲�����.

This year’s recipients are Dr. Robert ’94 & Kimberly ’93 Sigrist. Robert recently retired as assistant superintendent of operations and finance with the St. Joseph School District after 31 years in public education, having served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and director of student services. Kimberly retired from Missouri Western in May as the Director of the Center for Service after having served the University in several roles throughout her career. She also worked at the American Red Cross and the St. Joseph School District.��

The Distinguished Faculty Award: Dr. Teddi Deka

The Distinguished Faculty Award is given to a current faculty member in recognition of a lasting influence on students, excellence in teaching, career accomplishments and professional and ethical standards.

This year’s recipient is Dr. Teddi Deka, professor of psychology. As a developmental psychologist, she teaches future counselors, nurses, teachers and parents about child, adult and lifespan development. She is the faculty mentor for MWSU’s Psi Chi and Alpha Chi honor society chapters and is the National Secretary for Alpha Chi. Dr. Deka also contributes to our community through youth-focused training sessions for agencies such as Youth Alliance, Noyes Home, and YWCA Success by Six.

The Great Griffon Awards recognize alumni from each college and school who exhibit outstanding contributions to the workforce, society or the university. Employment in the area of study is not a requirement and nominees can be recognized for career achievements or for service to their community, state, nation or the University. This year’s recipients are:

• College of Liberal Arts: Terry Brock ’85/’94, musician and music teacher at ���߲�����, the St. Joseph School District and the St. Joseph Arts Academy
• College of Science and Health: Phallin Thornton ’11, Youth Behavioral Health Liaison (YBHL) at Family Guidance Center
• College of Business and Professional Studies: Tona Williams ’00, business consultant at Nationwide Insurance

The Alumni Student Leadership Awards recognize students graduating in December or May of the current academic year who have made a significant impact on the University through leadership, volunteerism or humanitarianism. This year’s recipients are:

• Graduating Student of the Year: Mackenzie DeVine ’24, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing. She is continuing her education at ���߲�����, where she is currently pursuing her MBA.
• Graduating Student of the Year: Lauren Nylund ’25, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Childhood Studies, and is continuing her education at Point Park University, where she will pursue a master’s degree in Clinical-Community Counseling.
• International Student of the Year: Mariana Casadiego Morales ’25, received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Health and Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology.

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

Feb. 21, 2025–���߲�����’s Alumni Association will host the 43rd annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Oct. 3. Nominations are now open for these prestigious awards. The deadline to submit nominations is April 1.

Visit to nominate high-achieving Griffons for the following awards:

• Distinguished Alumni Award
• Distinguished Faculty Award
• Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award
• Great Griffon Awards
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Business & Professional Studies
  • College of Science & Health
• Herb ’35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University
• Student Leadership Awards
  • Graduating Senior of the Year
  • Clifford Hughes ’55 Award
  • International Student of the Year

���߲����� is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 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 .��

Sept. 18, 2024–���߲����� is now accepting entries for the 2024 Homecoming Parade. The parade will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 in downtown St. Joseph.

Registered student organizations, campus offices, community organizations, businesses and individuals who want . The parade entry fee for off-campus entities is $25.

To register, fill out the form at . This year’s Homecoming theme is “Haunted Homecoming.”

For more information, contact Dr. Josh Clary in the Center for Student Involvement, 816-271-4150 or jclary5@missouriwestern.edu.����

���߲����� is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 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 .

Sept. 27, 2023–���߲����� is celebrating Homecoming 2023 the week of Sept. 25-30, ending with the Homecoming Parade and Griffon football game against Emporia State on Saturday. The theme of the week’s celebration is “Giddy Up, Griffons.”

The annual Homecoming Parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. It will step off from City Hall at 10th and Francis, travel west on Francis to 6th Street, then north to Faraon, east to Frederick, then northeast to 13th Street. Bands will go south on 13th Street to Faraon, then back to City Hall. Other entries will continue on Frederick to 16th Street.

The Homecoming Parade features the Golden Griffon Marching Band and nine high school bands: Central and Benton High Schools from St. Joseph, along with East Buchanan, North Platte, Polo, Plattsburg, Albany, King City and Stewartsville.

Missouri Western student events include an Ole Time Movie Night, Yeehaw Bingo, Home on the Range Service Day (with a blood drive and campus beautification service projects), Giddy Up Griffs Talent Show, and the theme night Friday with the crowning of Homecoming Royalty and the announcement of the talent show winner. The complete schedule of student events can be found at .

The Missouri Western Alumni Association will honor ten individuals at the 41st annual Alumni Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 in the Fulkerson Center. The deadline for banquet reservations has passed.

Alumni and students will tailgate from 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, before the football game in Lot H near the bridge. Food will be available for purchase from local and alumni food vendors, and alumni can reconnect with faculty members from several departments across campus who will be in attendance.

The Griffon football game against Emporia State kicks off at 4 p.m. on Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium. Homecoming Royalty and Alumni Award winners will be recognized on the field. Tickets may be purchased in advance at .��

���߲����� is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 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 .��