MSSU prepares to welcome hundreds of incoming students

JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern is ready to welcome hundreds of students to campus on Thursday with Move-In Day, two pinning ceremonies, and a Convocation.

Several events on Thursday will enhance the experience for both new and returning students. They include:

• Move-In Day will take place beginning at 10 a.m. for students moving into residence halls. Several faculty and staff member will be on hand to help students and families move into these residence life facilities.
• At 6 p.m. two pinning ceremonies will take place: The First-Generation Pinning Ceremony in Corley Auditorium, and the Legacy Pinning Ceremony in Taylor Performing Arts Center.
• The First-Generation Pinning Ceremony will honor and celebrates students who will are the first in their family to pursue a college degree. Project Stay, an organization designed to assist students will give a brief presentation, and Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU President, and Provost Dr. Lisa Toms will speak on the university’s impact on their lives. Parents will pin their students with a unique First-Generation Pin that may be worn at Graduation. Students and their families may take photos in the lobby before Convocation.
• The Legacy Pinning Ceremony is to honor legacy students, celebrating their decision to join Missouri Southern like their alumni family. Melissa Holt-Nance, director of Alumni Relations, will introduce the event, followed by a brief presentation from Dr. Brad Hodson, Executive Vice President. Parents will have the opportunity to pin their student with a special legacy pin that may be worn at Graduation. A photo backdrop will be available for students and their families before Convocation.

Convocation will begin at 7 p.m. at the Taylor Performing Arts Center. This event is to celebrate academic excellence and new beginnings for students. Dr. Van Galen will welcome students to campus, and alumna Melodee Colbert-Kean will speak on how Missouri Southern made an impact on her life. Guests are encouraged to attend.

BEST PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

• Students moving into Residence Halls, Thursday beginning at 10 a.m.
• A special event for “First Generation” college students will take place at 6 p.m. in Corley Auditorium
• New Student Convocation, 7 p.m., Taylor Performing Arts Center, with MSSU alumna and former Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean ‘99