Missouri State University in Springfield plans to open a new alumni building this September. This week, MSU President Richard Williams announced $10 million in private gifts for the site, to be named after former MSU President Clifton Smart III.
The 28-thousand-square-foot building will house the MSU Foundation and Alumni Association, as well as athletics development, advancement services, and university advancement relations. MSU says the center will feature a 200-person event center, conference rooms, an executive boardroom, a traditions hall, and outdoor courtyard. There’s also a living room space, which will be called a Bears Den, in honor of the MSU Bears mascot.
“It will be a welcome front door for our alumni, for our donors, and for our friends. It will be a place where relationships are strengthened, Missouri pride is celebrated, and the future of our university continues to grow not only through philanthropy, but also through engagement,” said President Williams.
Williams said combined with proceeds from the sale of the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center and additional foundation contributions, $20 million of the $26 million project has been supported through private gifts.
The donors include:
- Garnett Family Bears Den (previously referred to as Living Room) – Mark Garnett (1978), Diann Garnett (1996), Kimberly Garnett Foht (1998) and Stephanie Garnett Smith (2004 and 2006)
- Mo State Custom Steinway Piano – Gordon Kinne (1975) and Laura Kinne (1979)
- Bart Bailey and Amelia Bailey Counts Executive Breakout Room – Bart Bailey and Amelia Bailey Counts (1994)
- An advancement office – Clarence E. McElroy (1963)
- Mary Asher Tearney BearMobile – Mary Asher Tearney (1954)
- Stan and Ethel Curbow BearMobile – Stan Curbow (1959) and Ethel Curbow (1960)
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