MSU to honor Foster family with Bronze Bear award

The Missouri State University Board of Governors voted Oct. 17 to posthumously honor Springfield businessman Bill Foster and family with the with the 2014 Bronze Bear Award.

The founder of Foster Hospitality Group LLC, Foster, 86, died July 24 of natural causes at Meyer Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital at CoxHealth.

Foster's financial contributions to MSU were well established. In 2012, the school opened its $30 million, 100,000-square-foot recreation center, dubbed the Bill R. Foster and Family Recreation Center following a significant donation from the family. Other Foster family gifts include donations for the construction of JQH Arena and the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

The late Foster, his wife Juanitha, and their children, Tony Foster, John Foster, Bill Foster Jr. and Kaye-Foster Gibson, will be honored as the 16th Bronze Bear recipients during MSU's Dec. 12 commencement ceremony at JQH Arena, according to a news release.

“Their support has been instrumental in making the university what it is today – a thriving, growing and exciting place to be," MSU President Clif Smart said in the release.

Created in 1998, the Bronze Bear Award is patterned after the 14-foot statue version in front of MSU's Plaster Student Union. Recipients are given a 45-pound, 18-inch Bronze Bear award. The recognition honors those who have exhibited outstanding achievement or support for the school.

Last year's Bronze Bear recipient was Arthur Mallory, former president of MSU.

New board officers
During its Oct. 17 meeting, the MSU Board of Governors elected new officers for terms beginning Jan. 1.

Stephen Hoven, corporate vice president for public affairs for St. Louis-based SSM Health Care, was elected chairman of the board. St. James Winery CEO Peter Hofherr was named vice chairman, according to a news release.

MSU Chief Financial Officer Steve Foucart was elected board treasurer, and staff emeritus John McAlear was selected as secretary.