John Goodman to welcome new MSU students

Actor John Goodman is scheduled to welcome new students to Missouri State University at an Aug. 18 convocation at JQH Arena.

Goodman, a 1975 theater graduate of MSU who originally came to the university on a football scholarship, also is slated to receive an honorary doctorate in public affairs from school officials, according to a news release.

Goodman has given back to the university through scholarship funds, contributing to the Tent Theatre, delivering public service announcements as a celebrity guest, speaking to students and classes, and giving toward theater and athletic activities, according to Dee Siscoe, university vice president for student affairs.

Following the 2 p.m. convocation, which is free and open to the public, the university is scheduled to host a news conference with Goodman and later show three of his films to students: "Argo," "The Artist" and "The Big Lebowski," the release said.