“This school has a way of gluing together broken students and helping them heal.”
Major: Vocal Performance
Hometown: St. Joseph, Missouri
TJ Dunken’s father passed away when he was a senior in high school, and he was living on his own. He wanted to go away to college, but his friends and family encouraged him to try Missouri Western.
“My first semester proved to me that I belonged here as a Griffon,” he said. “Being a music student I basically live in Potter Hall. Not only am I surrounded by incredible musicians but I am surrounded by some of the most amazing professors I have ever met. If I was not attending Missouri Western, I have no doubt that my life would be in shambles.
“This school has a way of gluing together broken students and helping them heal, and that is why I am beyond proud to be a Griff. I am on my way to big things in life, and I have this school to thank for picking me back up and putting me on the right track.”