Welcome to Missouri Western! I am honored to be the president of Missouri Western State University, a university that has always put students first. I am certainly pleased to be associated with the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who through persistence and hard work have helped shape Missouri Western into the outstanding university it is today.

We are looking forward to many exciting university events in the coming year, and we hope you will be able to join us:

Spring 2013:

• On February 25, we will dedicate two awe-inspiring sculptures by artist Brent Collins, one in the Remington Hall atrium and one in front of Remington Hall.
• From February 21 through March 3, our outstanding theatre students will perform in two Tony-award-winning comedies – "God of Carnage," by Yasmina Reza, and Noel Coward's "Private Lives."
• And don't miss our spring musical, "Sweeney Todd," April 11-14 in the Potter Hall Theater.
• In May, more alumni will earn the opportunity to own a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or Aspen Leaf Yogurt store because of our unique entrepreneurship program.
• Throughout the entire spring, Missouri Western's athletes offer exciting sports action in baseball, softball, women's tennis, and men's and women's golf. Men's and women's basketball teams continue to electrify their fans. Don't miss any of the action – schedules are on the athletics website – gogriffons.com.

Summer 2013:

• The Western Playhouse will return this summer with the blockbuster musical, "Miss Saigon," July 4-13.
• And, the Kansas City Chiefs return in late July for the fourth year of summer training camp at Missouri Western. Come check out the new coach!

Fall 2013:

• On October 22, renowned historian Doris Kearns Goodwin will present leadership lessons from Abraham Lincoln at the 20th annual R. Dan Boulware Convocation on Critical Issues.
• Join us on November 4 for the unveiling of the Walter Cronkite Memorial on campus.
• And, in December, more alumni will earn the opportunity to own a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or Aspen Leaf Yogurt store through our unique entrepreneurship program.
• Don't miss exciting fall sports action all season long with football, volleyball and women's soccer. The football team is the defending MIAA Conference Champion.

Whether you are a community member who wants to attend our exciting events or a student interested in our undergraduate and graduate degree programs, we encourage you to visit our campus. We're confident you will "feel at home" here, and we invite you to become part of the Missouri Western family.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Vartabedian, President
Missouri Western State University