This year, officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will mark 60 years of providing quality educational opportunities to the region, and they will kick off the celebration May 4 at the Alumni and Friends Picnic.

The event, which is open to all, will get underway at 5 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center exhibit hall, 110 St. Louis St., in West Plains, with heavy hors d’oeuvres and a social time. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Missouri State University Jazz Quintet from Springfield.

Carol Silvey, emeritus professor of history and MSU Board of Governors member, will join forces with MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster to give those attending an entertaining history lesson about the campus during a special story time, organizers said.

“Missouri State-West Plains University Advancement and the Missouri State University Foundation are excited to bring this event back to campus,” said Rachel Peterson, director of development and annual giving at West Plains. “Attendees will have the opportunity to gather and visit about their memories through the years or just enjoy some tasty food and good music. The telling of ‘Our Story’ by Dr. Lancaster and Governor Silvey should be fun for all, and I’m personally eager to hear it!”

Award presentations

University officials also will present the Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Faculty/Staff Award winners.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to former students of the West Plains campus in recognition of extraordinary achievement in personal and professional endeavors.

The Distinguished Faculty/Staff Award recognizes extraordinary service among former employees of the West Plains campus.

“Another special activity will be the awarding of the Distinguished Faculty/Staff Award and Distinguished Alumni Award,” Peterson said. “Dr. Doris Jensen, who served the university for nearly nine years and was instrumental in the campus’ accreditation process, will be recognized, as will the entire Driscoll family – Steve, Cathy and their children Jim, John, Joe, Mike and Rosemary, and daughter-in-law Amanda. These are special folks and we’re pleased to be able to honor them.”

Although the event is free, RSVPs are encouraged by April 24, officials said.

For more information about the event or to RSVP, call 417-255-7240 or email WPAdvancement@MissouriState.edu.