The public is invited to welcome about 1,000 incoming Missouri Western State University students at a New Student Convocation at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, on Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium. The convocation will be followed by a candle-lighting ceremony and ice cream social at the Glenn E. Marion Memorial Clock Tower. All events are free and open to the public.

Sunday evening’s events conclude Griffon Edge, Missouri Western’s extended orientation program for first-year students. Griffon Edge is designed to aid incoming students in their transition to college by developing a diverse social network of classmates, upperclassmen, faculty and staff and encouraging their bond to Missouri Western through the introduction of campus culture and traditions.

Since the program’s founding in 1996, Griffon Edge has assisted first-year students in making a successful transition into the University and has served as a leadership development program for upper-class students who serve as Griffon Edge Mentors.

Other Griffon Edge events include a welcome rally, Taste of St. Joseph, academic presentations, lunch with faculty and deans, community service projects and more.

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.