Springfield banking family to get MSU's Bronze Bear

Personal and financial support for Missouri State University through multiple generations has brought the Turner family recognition as the 2009 recipient of the school's Bronze Bear award.

The school's Board of Governors voted on Friday in favor of the Turners, who are best known for leading Springfield-based Great Southern Bank.

"The Turner Family has supported Missouri State University for more than a quarter century," said MSU President Michael T. Nietzel, in a news release. "The impact of this family's personal and financial involvement with the university will be felt for many, many years. The Turner family has helped make Missouri State University a substantially better institution."

The family consists of Bill and Ann Turner, son Joe and daughter-in-law Traci, and daughter Julie and son-in-law Jason Brown.

The award, which includes a framed resolution and a 45-pound, 18-inch bronze bear mounted on a base, will be presented at the Dec. 18 commencement ceremony at Hammons Student Center. The award, a replica of a 14-foot campus statue, was designed by former MSU art professor Jim Hill. The award honors those who have shown "extraordinary achievement and/or outstanding support" for MSU, the release said.

Bill and Joe Turner have each served on the MSU Foundation Board of Directors - Joe as current vice president. Joe Turner also served six years on the Board of Governors through 2001.

The Turner family's gifts include scholarships, and contributions to Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Greenwood Laboratory School, the Ozarks Study Institute, KSMU, Ozarks Public Television, the Pride Band and athletics, the release said. The family name adorns the Hammons Student Center practice court and a Carrington Hall conference room. Additionally, Great Southern Bank has provided a $1.6 million scoreboard for JQH Arena.

Hotelier and philanthropist John Q. Hammons received the first Bronze Bear in 1998. Recipients each year since are David D. Glass, former Wal-Mart Stores Inc. president and CEO and Kansas City Royals owner; Duane G. Meyer, former MSU president; Virginia and William H. "Bill" Darr, founder and owner of American Dehydrated Foods; Jane and Ken Meyer of Meyer Communications Inc; John H. Keiser, MSU president emeritus; Thomas G. Strong, alumnus and attorney; and the McQueary family of the drug company formerly known as McQueary Bros. The award was not given in '01, '02 and '07.

Recipients are recommended by the university president and administrative council and supported by the faculty and staff senates and Student Government Association, before going before the Board of Governors.[[In-content Ad]]