Office of University Communications 

Missouri State Community Caravan kicks off March 31

SPRINGFIELD – Highlighting the interdependence with local communities and saying “thank you” for past support are the two major goals for the first Missouri State University Community Caravan, which will focus on eight locations in the first three weeks of April. The theme of the 2008 Caravan is “What the Public Affairs Mission Means to You.”

A complete list of Community Caravan stops and planned itinerary for each location are available at http://www.missouristate.edu/communitycaravan

The first week of the caravan begins March 31 in Christian County; followed by visits on subsequent days to Greene County April 1; Cedar, Dade, Dallas and Polk counties April 2; and Laclede County April 3.

The tour also includes stops in Stone and Taney counties April 7, Webster County April 8, Barry and Lawrence counties April 14, as well as McDonald and Newton counties April 15.

Each visit will include one or more civic/economic impact events, school visits, media contacts, visits with individual donors and alumni, and an evening event for admitted and prospective students and their parents.

“Missouri State has enjoyed a strong tradition of support from southwest Missouri,” said Missouri State President Michael T. Nietzel. “We are excited about the opportunity to highlight the meaningful connections the university has with each of these communities and to share powerful stories about how our public affairs mission is put into action in each of these communities.”