Actor John Goodman to host Missouri State University’s “Onward, Upward” celebration
SPRINGFIELD — In exactly 100 days, the largest campaign in Missouri State University’s history, Onward, Upward, will end with a massive celebration at Great Southern Bank Arena.
The Oct. 29 event will be hosted by actor, alumnus and campaign chair John Goodman.
It will also feature a live performance by Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and voice actress Tori Kelly. Kelly’s vocals as Meena in “Sing” (2016) and “Sing 2” (2021) brought down the house, and the Missouri State Foundation expects her performance to do the same on campus.
“We eagerly anticipate The Celebration and the chance to share with the public the impact gifts made to the Onward, Upward campaign are making at Missouri State University,” Goodman said. “Missouri State opened the door for me and so many others to discover my passion and pursue it. It’s been an honor to pay that forward as campaign chair. I look forward to celebrating the campaign and its supporters with my fellow Bears.”
The Celebration
Goodman will host the event, which will include:
- A warm-up performance by award-winning band KC FLOW from Kansas City, Missouri.
- A special musical set and performance by Kelly.
- Special appearances, collaborations and performances by the MSU grand chorus, MSU Pride Band and color guard, and other notable guests.
No ticket is required to attend the celebration. The doors open to the public at 7 p.m. and showtime is approximately 7:30 p.m.
Free swag will be offered to the first 2,500 guests.