MSU offers sneak peek of new alumni center set to open in September

Springfield area donors connected to Missouri State University gathered May 27 inside the Kenneth E. Meyer Event Hall, a featured spot on the northwest corner of the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center.

The invitation-only event to announce six additional gifts for the $26.2 million project took place exactly 100 days from the planned opening of the 28,000-square-foot space along National Avenue between Harrison Street and Bear Boulevard.

MSU President Richard “Biff” Williams looked around the space, still an active construction zone, and vowed the project was on time.

“It may not look like it’s 100 days, but it will get done,” he said. “We’re excited that we’ll be here to be able to serve future Bears, our current Bears and all our Bears for life.”

Williams said the university plans to move into the space in September and hold a grand opening during the homecoming in mid-November.

Exact amounts were not disclosed but Williams said the gifts were collectively in the “seven-figure” range. The new gifts included:

• Garnett Family Bears Den, which had been referred to as the living room, from Mark Garnett, Diann Garnett, Kimberly Garnett Foht and Stephanie Garnett Smith

• MSU customized Steinway Piano from Gordon Kinne and Laura Kinne

• Bart Bailey and Amelia Bailey Counts Executive Breakout Room from Bart Bailey and Amelia Bailey Counts

• An advancement office from Clarence E. McElroy

• Mary Asher Tearney BearMobile from Mary Asher Tearney

• Stan and Ethel Curbow BearMobile from Stan Curbow and Ethel Curbow

The facility designed by Dake Wells Architecture Inc. and being built by J.E. Dunn Construction Co. will replace the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center, which was housed in downtown Springfield until it was sold in early 2024 to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc.

Williams noted that combined, the sale of that building, previously announced gifts and the six new gifts noted May 27 provided $20 million of the overall cost.

“It says that people believe in Missouri State University, and this university has had significant impact on their lives,” he said after the event.

It had been a dream of many including Brent Dunn, executive director of the Missouri State Foundation and the vice president of university advancement, to headquarter fundraising and alumni efforts on campus. The facility will also include conference rooms, an executive boardroom, a traditions hall and an outdoor courtyard.

Williams explained at the event he was a stand-in for Dunn, who was absent to care for wife Jennifer after a boating accident. “Although he really wants to be here, he has his priorities right,” he said.

Dunn provided reaction to the latest gifts in a news release sent after the event, which included a tour of the project.

“Reaching more than $10 million in private gifts for the center is a major milestone and a testament to the belief our donors have in this project and its impact,” he said in the release.

Williams said the center, named after his predecessor, will serve as a “welcome front door” for MSU alumni, family and 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,” Williams said.