Missouri Southern’s University Relations and Marketing department is helping Joplin celebrate MSSU’s Homecoming in a colorful way.

‘Paint the Town Green and Gold’ is a chance for area businesses to show their Lion pride by decorating their storefronts in Southern colors.  

“We’ve received submissions from a number of insurance companies and banks … a marketing agency that has really gone all out on 7th street and restaurants,” Director of University Relations and Marketing Cassie Mathes said.

In addition to having the chance to bring MSSU support to the entire community, businesses have the opportunity to win prizes based on their Lion pride decorations.   

The top winner will receive a prize of $1,000. The business in second place will receive $750. The third place prize is $500.

The winners will be announced today on the Living Well show on KSN.  

“The winners will also be introduced at the Homecoming parade tomorrow. They’ll be able to walk in the parade, and they will be introduced at the Homecoming football game,” Mathes said.

“It’s been so inspiring this week to see how many businesses have decided to participate.

“It’s our 75th anniversary and we thought it was a nice year to do some special things … I hope this is the first of many opportunities for Southern to connect with Joplin and connect with Joplin businesses.

“I think we’re on the right path and I’m very happy to see how many people want to come out and support Southern.”