Missouri Western State University is expanding its “Paint It Gold” community support campaign. The campaign will equip local businesses to show their support for the University by providing free flags, buttons and window-painting. Missouri Western is also asking the community to wear black and gold on Fridays.
“Missouri Western is very appreciative of the support we get from members of the community, including local businesses,” said Mallory Murray, director of public relations and marketing. “The goal of Paint It Gold is to give businesses the tools to express that support in a visible way, so that everyone who drives in to St. Joseph will know that this is Griffon country. It also makes good sense for the businesses: Missouri Western has more than 6,000 students, 500 faculty and staff and nearly 9,000 alumni in the immediate area who are more likely to support businesses where they feel welcome.”
Paint it Gold builds on a community engagement effort that the Department of Athletics started two years ago. This month, staff members from the Office of Public Relations and Marketing, the Office of Admissions and the Department of Athletics have been meeting with area businesses to offer at no charge:
- A 3-by-5 foot Missouri Western flag to decorate the business (including a pole and bracket)
- A Missouri Western window cling
- Storefront window-painting four times a year – August, October, November and March
The visits also include information about Paint It Gold Fridays, a way for businesses to let their customers to know they support Missouri Western by encouraging employees to wear black and gold each Friday. For businesses with dress codes or uniforms, Missouri Western is offering Paint It Gold buttons to distribute to their employees.
“Fridays are when we conduct our largest campus tours,” said Tyson Schank, associate dean of enrollment management and director of admissions. “So in addition to building excitement for Griffon athletic events held on the weekend, Paint It Gold Fridays will demonstrate to prospective students that the community supports Missouri Western.”
The Department of Athletics is teaming up with the United Way of Greater St. Joseph on the first Paint it Gold Friday, Sept. 13, the day before the first home football game. Student-athletes and coaches will be at intersections in St. Joseph accepting donations for the United Way and distributing schedules, posters and other memorabilia.
“Our student athletes and coaches have participated in Paint It Gold community engagement activities for the past couple of years, and it’s been a great way to generate enthusiasm for the upcoming sports seasons,” said Brett Esely, associate director of athletics for external relations. “We’re excited to partner with the United Way this year to add a charitable component to our promotional activities.”
Another component of the campaign encourages K-12 teachers to decorate their classrooms in black and gold. The classrooms showing the most Griffon spirit can win a pizza party and appearance by Missouri Western’s mascot, Max the Griffon.
Businesses or teachers that would like to learn more about participating in Paint It Gold can call Autumn Sands in the Office of Public Relations, 816-271-5676.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.