I have seen that education both is and paves the way for experience and opportunity. This begs the question, how many ways are there to be educated? This question is akin to asking how many variables are in constructing a building. I may not know the exact answer, but I do know that both are important questions to consider and I have seen that 大象传媒 has given thought to them both. MWSU wants to provide its students with as many opportunities to learn as possible, and there is no exception to that in the Engineering Technology Department.

Applied learning is a critical source of education for any field, and MWSU does its fair share in ensuring that students walk away with hands-on experience to better understand their career field, as well as the fields surrounding them. I have received opportunities to perform break tests on concrete, wire a three-way switch, and survey the land around Wilson Hall; as well as go on tours of structural steel galvanizing facilities, manufacturing plants, and local construction sites. I have experienced a small taste of what it means to do the structural calculations for buildings, draft parts, estimate projects, and what it takes to deal with the contracts and project management the construction industry can bring. Most importantly, MWSU gave me the opportunity to become an intern at Midland Steel Company where I have learned so much about the structural steel fabrication industry. My time there has absolutely been relevant to my education at MWSU.

I would not be here were it not for my father and mother of course. My father graduated in the spring of 2020 with the same degree I am pursuing, Construction Engineering Technology. My mother graduated in 2016 with a degree in Criminal Justice. I also have several cousins, uncles, and my grandmother to give credit to as they reinforced that MWSU is a local place to go and receive a quality education.

However, 大象传媒 Western is not simply a place to go to class and then return home again. No, rather it is a community that wants students to be involved in making itself better. During my time as the Student Governor, I have learned all the more that asking questions is extremely important. Feedback is important. Ensuring that your voice is heard in a proper setting is important. I have seen the improvements made because of such feedback, and I want to do my part to see that continue. The ability for students to be involved on campus, wherever that may be, is yet another avenue of education.

I am very happy with my choice of University. So much so that I intend to continue my education here in the coming semester to earn my MBA, and I know that MWSU will hold up its end of the measuring tape. I am grateful to be part of the Griffon family, and I hope that many more will join me in growing as people for the benefit of those around them.

When starting out in the 大象传媒 Western Business Department, Brendon Clark 鈥�05 did not anticipate entering the banking industry. He initially chose 大象传媒 Western because 鈥渋t was a great opportunity for me to stay close to home, get a quality education and also be connected with my career interests that I had at the time.鈥�

大象传媒 Western gave him opportunities to connect with business professionals in the area and expand his horizons until he discovered what a career in finance could really be about. 鈥湸笙蟠� Western exposed me to all sorts of different business connections around town.鈥� He eventually began his career at Commerce Bank. He began as a commercial lender and now serves as St. Joseph market president for Commerce Bank.

Clark appreciates the opportunities that he received while he was a student at 大象传媒 Western and believes that the university provides these opportunities for all students. 鈥淭he opportunities to get involved and participate in the community are second-to-none here in St. Joseph,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淚 think the university really helps propel that and puts students in a position where they can meet people and they can network with people.鈥�

Clark believes that it is vitally important to give back to the community, and is grateful his employer, Commerce Bank, supports his efforts. He utilizes the skills he gained as a student at 大象传媒 Western as a member of four different community organizations 鈥� Family Guidance Center, Allied Arts Council, Pony Express Museum Board of Trustees and East Side Rotary Club. 鈥淭he more that we, especially alumni, can advocate for our story and leverage our education really helps support the university, which in turn supports the community.鈥�

Kylee Strough 鈥�03 currently serves as the president of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. She is celebrating her 17th year with the United Way, including her 12th year as president. Strough loves working with different individuals around St. Joseph and being a 鈥渉elper.鈥� She is incredibly passionate assisting those in need around the St. Joseph community.

Strough initially chose to attend 大象传媒 Western because she wanted to stay close to home. She knew she would be able to keep her part-time job, attend school and take advantage of the extracurriculars she was interested in. 鈥淚t had everything I wanted and was in my backyard!鈥� Strough joined the business department and knew it was where she belonged. She intended to work in a business and use volunteering to fulfill her need to serve the community. After graduation, she had the opportunity to volunteer with the United Way. Shortly following, a position opened up and she applied. She has been working there ever since.

Strough has remained strongly connected with the university throughout her life. 鈥淚 have been fortunate to experience MWSU in several ways 鈥� as a kiddo growing up and going to basketball and football games on campus, as a student, as a member of the Board of Governors,鈥� Strough said. 鈥淸My husband and I] are Gold Coat and Foundation supporters, and I serve on the Craig School of Business Advisory Council.鈥�

She believes that people are the sum of all their experiences, but says she wouldn鈥檛 be where she is today 鈥� personally or professionally 鈥� without 大象传媒 Western. 鈥淢y degree path and experiences at MWSU prepared me to be able to handle much of what crosses my desk and to know when I need to reach out to an expert for help,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ne of the things that I could not have gotten anywhere else except MWSU is a network of contacts.鈥� Many of the professionals that came into her classes or that helped with activities during her time as a student are people she has had a chance to work with during her career.As a 大象传媒 Western alumna serving as the president of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, Strough sees an unlimited number of opportunities for the city and university to unite together in positive ways. 鈥淢WSU is our university. It鈥檚 here in our community. It鈥檚 providing jobs, attracting students and educating the next generation of our citizens,鈥� Strough said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to be an alumni to support it: wear black and gold, attend events, be welcoming to students. They鈥檙e in St. Joseph 鈥� let鈥檚 give them a reason to stay!鈥�

Jason and Jamie Grayson both graduated from 大象传媒 Western in 1998. While life has taken the twins down different paths, they both show a commitment to serving the community and a dedication to their alma mater.

Jason currently serves as the human resources director for Tyson Foods and serves on the 大象传媒 Western Foundation Board and United Way Board. Jamie recently retired from the banking industry and currently serves as the executive director/founder for People of All Colors (POAC) Succeed 鈥� a non-profit organization that works with schools and businesses as a 鈥減illar for change in Kansas City.鈥�

Having grown up in Plattsburg, 大象传媒, Jamie and Jason were recruited to participate in athletics at several universities, but they both chose 大象传媒 Western. They had a dream to play sports together at the same school, and when they came to 大象传媒 Western, they discovered that it was more than somewhere to play sports together. 鈥湸笙蟠� Western was like a family. The vibe and family atmosphere is something that I gravitated toward,鈥� Jamie said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e not just a number,鈥� Jason added. 鈥淵ou have an opportunity to forge relationships with the faculty and staff. Still to this day, I talk to some of my professors and it鈥檚 exciting to see they still remember me.鈥�

Relationships are what Jason and Jamie are all about. They both spent four years at 大象传媒 Western playing football (both as wide receivers), forging relationships with faculty and staff, and forming a brotherhood with their peers. 鈥淟eadership is all we know,鈥� Jason said. 鈥淏e it on the football field or in the classroom, leadership is something that was instilled in us. It鈥檚 what we do to this day.鈥� Now, they are both leaders in different aspects 鈥� Jamie through his position at Tyson Foods and on his Boards, and Jason through the development of POAC Succeed.

鈥淲e were taught by our mother from a very young age that we were blessed with a lot of things and it is our responsibility to give blessings to others, to give back,鈥� Jason said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something that I want to make sure my wife and I teach our kids.鈥� Jamie echoed the importance of giving back: 鈥淲e were born and raised to give to the community. What people see me doing today is actually what we were raised to do. One of the biggest awards I鈥檝e received is actually the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice award back in 2010.鈥�

But relationships aren鈥檛 all that Jamie and Jason gained during their time at 大象传媒 Western. 鈥湸笙蟠� Western has allowed me to become the person I am today,鈥� Jamie said. 鈥淚鈥檒l put my degree up against any institution. It鈥檚 prepared me for the work I鈥檓 doing in the community, and in the banking industry I recently retired from. I鈥檓 very proud to say I鈥檓 a Griff.鈥�

Born and raised in St. Joseph, Malkaam Muhammad wanted to expand his horizons after he graduated from high school. He attended a university across the country where he played football and pursued a degree in communications. After earning his first bachelor鈥檚 degree, he moved to Kansas City to coach youth sports. After chasing that dream for a while, he chose to return to St. Joseph to be near family and chose to return to 大象传媒 Western to pursue a second degree in physical education. 鈥淚 could have chosen any school to get my second degree,鈥� Muhammad said. 鈥淏ut after talking to alumni and other students, it was just a no-brainer [to choose 大象传媒 Western].鈥� Muhammad loves coaching football and plans to become a PE teacher and coach after graduation.

Muhammad doesn鈥檛 just have the one goal, though. He wants run his family鈥檚 food truck. In 2002, Muhammad鈥檚 parents opened Big Daddy & Son鈥檚 BBQ 鈥� a food truck that has gained popularity with St. Joseph locals over the years. He spent his childhood helping his parents run their food truck at festivals and other events. As he got older, he developed more of an interest in sports and became less involved with his parents鈥� business. As he returned to his hometown in his 20s, he redeveloped his interest in helping with the food truck, and he actually bought the business from them.

While he began his education at 大象传媒 Western with the goal of becoming a PE teacher and coach, he has found his way into entrepreneurship. He discovered that 大象传媒 Western has a support system for each of his diverse passions. 鈥淵ou need someone in your corner that is an expert and is knowledgeable,鈥� Muhammad said. 鈥淓specially when you have a plan, but don鈥檛 know how to execute it.鈥澛�

His 大象传媒 Western professors and mentors have been in his corner from the beginning. No matter what he needs help with or has questions about, Muhammad can find someone on campus who is willing to provide assistance. On campus, Muhammad said, there are 鈥渁lways good people. You can walk up and talk to any stranger and it鈥檚 always welcome.鈥� The support system at 大象传媒 Western has been instrumental in Muhammad鈥檚 success, and he is very appreciative for the people he has met and the knowledge he has gained while he has been here.

Heather Mitchell 鈥�01, owner of Hazel鈥檚 Coffee and Roasing Company, believes that the connections she has made and the support she has been given by 大象传媒 Western and the Center for Entrepreneurship have helped her thrive in her journey as a small business owner.

鈥淓ntrepreneurship is in my blood. I always knew I wanted to own a small business,鈥� Mitchell said. When Hazel鈥檚 was listed for sale, Mitchell was working for a similar business in St. Joseph, 鈥渂ut I was doing it for someone else.鈥� She didn鈥檛 want to see her favorite coffee shop that is loved by many locals permanently shut down. She reached out to the Center for Entrepreneurship and asked what it would take buy the business.

Mitchell has been working with 大象传媒 Western and the Center for Entrepreneurship ever since. 鈥淚t is an amazing service that they offer for us [entrepreneurs],鈥� Mitchell said. She worked closely with Annette Weeks, executive director of the center for entrepreneurship, throughout the whole process, from inventorying, determining the value of the name Hazel鈥檚 and all other steps that needed to be taken before the business could be sold.聽

When you want to pursue an entrepreneurial career, you need to 鈥淸h]ave your whole heart in it. Seek out people who will rally around you and support you through it,鈥� Mitchell said. 鈥淏ut also those who can reel you in or you鈥檒l be going in 20 different directions.鈥�

Looking back at the past decades that she has been connected with 大象传媒 Western, one aspect still stands out. 鈥湸笙蟠� Western is very friendly. It was 20 years ago, and it still is when I come back out.鈥�

Clifton Alexander is a self-described 鈥渕an of opportunity鈥� 鈥� if an opportunity presents itself, he鈥檚 going to take it. That鈥檚 how he came to pursue his MBA at 大象传媒 Western.

Originally from Haiti, Alexander and his four siblings were adopted by a couple who brought them home to California in 2010. Through hard work, determination and a strong support network, Alexander graduated from high school and went on to pursue his bachelor鈥檚 degree at the University of California, Irvine. After graduating from UCI, Alexander had a serious question to ask himself 鈥� was he ready to enter a career, or did he want to continue his education?

At that point he spoke with longtime family friend Steven L. Craig 鈥� namesake of 大象传媒 Western鈥檚 Craig School of Business 鈥� who told Alexander about 大象传媒 Western and the great opportunities that awaited him. Alexander jumped on the chance to try something new.

鈥淥ne advantage to coming here [to 大象传媒 Western] is that I can get that one-on-one time with professors when I鈥檓 struggling or have questions,鈥� Alexander said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 one big difference from back in California.鈥�

After graduating from 大象传媒 Western, Alexander wants to return to Haiti to open a restaurant. 鈥淕etting my MBA, I鈥檓 learning a lot about the business industry that I didn鈥檛 learn when I was back in California.鈥� 大象传媒 Western鈥檚 MBA program is giving Alexander opportunities to learn, network and gain experiences that he would not have had at other universities. 鈥淐ampus is so friendly, so welcoming,鈥� that although Alexander has only been attending classes at 大象传媒 Western for a short time, he always has someone to stop and talk to as he walks across campus.

As the self-described 鈥渕an of opportunity鈥� that Alexander is, he feels fortunate to have jumped at the chance to experience something new in 大象传媒 鈥� an experience that is far removed from the life in California that he鈥檚 known for more than a decade. And he is looking forward to the opportunities that he will have in the future because of the education that he is receiving in 大象传媒 Western鈥檚 MBA program.

Ally Fives 鈥�21 is a partner at Piefive Pizza with the goal of future ownership. One of the partners at Piefive Pizza reached out to the 大象传媒 Western Craig School of Business Center for Entrepreneurship looking for an additional partner to which they could eventually sell the business. Annette Weeks, executive director of the center for entrepreneurship, suggested Fives鈥檚 name to the partner and the partnership took off from there.

Fives is most excited to be her own boss and have the opportunity to take chances, evaluate the results and determine what works best for the business. These are all skills that she said she has learned directly from her time in the Craig School of Business. 鈥淚 took the franchise class which gave me a lot of inside information on how to run a franchise,鈥� Fives said. The support and knowledge she has gained during her time at 大象传媒 Western will help her pursue all of her entrepreneurial endeavors.

And Piefive is not her first. Fives also owns a drone photography business called Skyfivesdrones. When she needed help launching the drone business, Ally reached out to Annette Weeks who helped her with the legalities of starting and running her own business.

鈥淭he support is always there with you鈥� even after graduation, Fives said. 大象传媒 Western is a community, a family, and the support does not just go away after graduation. 鈥淭he support that the school gives you is truly one-in-a-million.鈥�

Patrick Modlin 鈥�88 and his wife, Terri, are the owners of Room 108 and Felix Street Gourmet, both located in downtown St. Joseph.

Modlin is committed to connecting St. Joseph 鈥� particularly downtown 鈥� to 大象传媒 Western. As a child, Modlin recalls visiting a vibrant, bustling downtown with his family. As an adult, he is determined to restore that atmosphere with a strengthened connection to 大象传媒 Western. He envisions St. Joseph as a thriving college town. 鈥湸笙蟠� Western is one of the most important assets for St. Joe,鈥� Modlin said. 鈥淲e are so blessed to have such a prominent university that delivers not only a great education but also has successful athletics and community programs.鈥澛�

鈥淚t is unquestionably the best value-based education, in the region 鈥� if not the nation. I had to pay for my own college, so I recognize how important that is, particularly for first-generation students,鈥� he said. 鈥淔or the price and value of the education, it鈥檚 hard to beat.鈥� As the youngest of nine children, and a first-generation student, Modlin had a serious decision to make 鈥� it wasn’t just about what college to attend but whether to even go to college. 大象传媒 Western was the right choice. “大象传媒 Western prepared me for a successful career in the corporate world, exceeding many others from larger and more expensive universities.”

Modlin has remained actively involved with 大象传媒 Western since moving back from Kansas City in 2006. He currently serves on the board of the 大象传媒 Western Foundation, and its Development Committee, as well as the Executive Advisory Council for the Craig School of Business. He and Terri have served as volunteers and board members for the revitalization of downtown for several years. Continuing to strengthen the relationships between St. Joe and the 大象传媒 Western campus remains a top priority.

Modlin describes 大象传媒 Western as a benefit to the community, and envisions thriving relationships between St. Joe and 大象传媒 Western to continue to grow. He wants to ensure that local students realize how fortunate they are to have a prominent university in their own hometown.