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 21, 2023
When: 5 p.m. April 21
Where: William H. Darr Agricultural Center
Cost: $40 per person. Tables are available.
2022 recipients
Learn more about our 2022 Bears of Distinction:
- Lifetime Achievement, Thomas G. Strong ’52
- Outstanding Alumnus, Bradley Thomas ’84, ’87
- Outstanding Alumna, M. Ann Page ’90
- Outstanding Young Alumna, Rachel Mack Robinson ’12
- Excellence in Public Affairs, Patrick J. Hall ’74
- Award of Appreciation, Charlotte C. Hardin
- Volunteer Group of the Year, Construction Management Advisory Board
- Bears of Excellence:
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.