Since the beginning of the fall semester, a number of former Southern faculty have been honored.

Former University President Dr. Julio León was recognized for his service to the institution a couple of weeks ago when they renamed the health sciences building after him.

León served as the president for 25 years before retiring in 2007.

The health sciences building became a reality due in large part to his work while in charge.

Around the same time, two classrooms on the first floor of Webster Hall (rooms 105 and 106) were dedicated in the name of long-time University benefactor, Ruth L. Kolpin.

Kolpin helped keep the campus television station, KGCS, from being canceled through a substantial donation.

She also gave the school an endowment that provides scholarships to students going into broadcasting.

The most recent dedication honored former basketball coach Robert Corn. Corn coached at Southern for 25 years and amassed an astonishing 413 wins while at the helm.

The court in Leggett & Platt where Corn led his Lions to victory is now known as “Robert Corn Court.”

It’s refreshing to see our University honor the individuals who really deserve it. All three of these people have been more than meritted recognition for their commitment and dedication to the success and growth of Missouri Southern.

In the coming year, several new structures will be finished around campus, and we can only hope University officials will do as good of a job christening those as they have with the recent dedications.