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To coincide with Missouri State University’s public affairs theme: Global Perspective: Why It Matters, the school intends to recognize the inaugural class of the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame inductees, and welcome to campus a retired four-star army general. KSMU’s Julie Greene has the details.
Introduced by MSU, the Public Affairs Hall of Fame is a statewide initiative, and its inaugural class will include former President Harry Truman, former U.S. Senator John Danforth and newspaper publisher Donald Suggs, who will be honored April 11 at the Oasis Convention Center.
Mary Ann Wood, director of Public Affairs Support for Missouri State, explains why these three were chosen.
“It’s the impact they have made. They have stepped outside of the box and have thought beyond themselves and beyond just what can impact their immediate community and their immediate circle. I mean, all three have dedicated themselves to the betterment of society. Our public affairs mission is a big part of that: to get outside of yourself and see what you can do to help other people,” Wood said.
The inductees were revealed during a press conference Tuesday, as was MSU’s Spring Public Affairs Convocation speaker; former Secretary of State, Colin L. Powell.
A retired four-star Army General, Powell has also served as a chairman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, making him the first and to date only African American to do so.
Brent Dunn is the executive director of the Missouri State Foundation, one of the event’s sponsors.
“He lived history, so that is a very unique perspective that not too many people can provide. We are fortunate that everything worked out, and he can be on campus,” Dunn said.
He said Powell’s talk will focus on topics like leadership and personal experiences from an international perspective.
MSU’s Spring Public Affairs Convocation is scheduled for March 20 in the JQH Arena. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.
For KSMU News, I’m Julie Greene.