Commencement Speaker
Tim Houlne ’86
Entrepreneur, Author
and CEO of Humach
Tim Houlne graduated from Missouri Western with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance and Management. He is founder and CEO of Humach, a Dallas-based provider of AI technology-driven contact center solutions. Heco-authored the Amazon best seller, “The New World of Work,” and the second edition, “The Cube, The Cloud, and What’s Next.” The Houlne Center for Convergent Technology was named in appreciation of Houlne’s generous contribution to its construction and operation.
Student Representatives
11 a.m.
Viola Toma
Viola Toma, from Kansas City, Missouri, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She has overcome homelessness and battled cancer on her road to success. As a non-traditional first generation student and a single parent, Toma still carved time out to volunteer at Head Start through Community Action Partnership St. Joseph.
3 p.m.
Kendra Simpson
Kendra Simpson, from St. Joseph, Missouri, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Convergent Journalism and Public Relations. Simpson served as news editor and editor in chief for Griffon Media, and was awarded several state and national awards for her work. She has mastered the art of storytelling through her award-winning work with Griffon Media, which has carried over to her current position as multimedia journalist and weekend anchor with St. Joseph’s News-Press Now.
Griffon Bookstore is OPEN!
The Griffon Bookstore located within the Hearnes Center will be open from 9am-2pm on Saturday, May 10 for your last-minute Commencement needs. Students and their families will be able to purchase select graduation stoles, MWSU memorabilia, and other items to celebrate all the hard work that has led up to this special day!
Commencement Activities and Ceremonies
Physical Therapy Pinning Ceremony
Friday, May 9th, 2025
7:00 p.m.
Kemper Recital Hall, Spratt 101
Respiratory Therapy Pinning Ceremony
Saturday, May 10th, 2025
8:00 a.m.
Murphy Hall, 2nd Floor
Nurses Pinning Ceremony
Saturday, May 10th, 2025
8:30 a.m.
Fulkerson Center
Alumni Reception hosted by the Alumni Association
Immediately following each ceremony
Looney Arena, Old Gymnasium