The signs are all here. The air is cool and crisp. The leaves are changing colors. Spirit displays are on the Oval. It’s Homecoming at Missouri Southern. For 2007, add in some disco balls, a chili cook-off and faculty wearing pajamas on Monday, and you have one roaring good time!

Southern is celebrating its 70th year of Lion pride. From its beginnings at 4th St. and Byers Ave. as Joplin Junior College, today Southern is a strong and proud University. At this time of year, the Alumni Association looks back with great pride and looks forward to welcoming home its alumni for Homecoming week.

There are so many events taking place during this important week. CAB is sponsoring events like pajama day, retro day and miss-match day. Southern IMPACT is hosting its Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

New for this year is the Block Party, cosponsored by the Alumni Association and the CAB. The event will include a band, “Some Fun,” from St. Louis. The cover band will play music from the 70s to today. An event like this could not be possible without community and alumni support. Those contributing to underwrite this event are: Dr. Michael LaFerla, Kelly Insurance; Dr. Kevin Caldwell, Snak Atak; UMB Bank; Kappa Alpha Alumni Association of Joplin; and Stogey’s.

This year, two very deserving alumni are being recognized at the Alumni Awards Dinner for their accomplishments. They are Dr. Don Flinn and Kevin Williams.

Dr. Don Flinn, ’42, has an extensive career. Most noteworthy is his work on the NASA Medical Evaluation Team. He was charged with examining all astronauts prior to their selection to the Mercury and Gemini space projects.

Kevin Williams, ’87, is the Chief Financial Officer for Jack Henry in Monett. He oversees the company’s annual revenues of more than $592 million. While a student at Southern, he was one of the founding members of the Accounting Club.

Former baseball coach, Warren Turner, has been tabbed as this year’s Lion Hearted recipient. Turner has been an inspiration in our community, as a coach and a leader. There are no words to describe WT.

Also being recognized this weekend are Hall of Fame Inductees, Dr. Mark Baker, ’92, Holly (Trantham) Brewer, ’97 and Rich Weisensee, ’80. They will make their acceptance speeches at the Lion Pride Brunch on Saturday.

We encourage all alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff to take part in this year’s Homecoming festivities. Please help us in welcoming back our alumni and friends to Southern’s campus as we all “let the good times roar!”