The Missouri State University Alumni Association proudly presents awards of special recognition to distinguished alumni and former faculty and staff. Award recipients are selected annually and honored for their exceptional achievements.
Bears of Distinction

April 20, 2024
When: 6 p.m. April 20
Where: William H. Darr Agricultural Center
Cost: $40 per person. Tables are available.
2023 recipients
- Lifetime Achievement: Roy Blunt '72
- Outstanding Alumna: Anna Marie Presutti ’86
- Outstanding Young Alumna: Kimberly (Sutter) Schill '12
- Excellence in Public Affairs: Sara (Thomas) Lampe '71
- Award of Appreciation: David '74 and Sandra Byrd
- Volunteer Group of the Year: Friends of the Garnett Library
- Bears of Excellence:
- Garrett Hawkins ’02
- Angel (Smith) Magasano ’92
- Aaren (Williamson) Muex ’02
- Richard Ollis ’89
- Melissa (Mantlo) Randol ’91
Highlighting achievements
To highlight the achievements that bring honor to the university, the Missouri State University Alumni Association presents several awards each year at the Bears of Distinction Dinner and Awards Ceremony. Honorees are selected by a committee of the MSU Alumni Association.