MSU Receives BBBS's Community Partner of the Year Award

MSU was awarded Community Partner of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) for its efforts to promote BBBS this year. In early 2010, MSU approached Big Brothers Big Sisters to form a partnership for the fall semester. The partnership kicked off in September with two full days of information sessions at the campus.

In addition to the information sessions, MSU helped with BBBS to launch Dream Big, a college/career event at Southern Hills Elementary School. MSU enlisted 10 local professionals to speak to third- through sixth-graders about what they could be when they grow up. BBBS says students reported they can't wait for next year's Dream Big event.

From the partnership with Midwestern, BBBS was also able to make contacts in the athletics department and its Mustangs Care community outreach program. At half-time during an MSU home football game, BBBS was invited onto the field to introduce several of the local "Bigs" and "Littles." The "Bigs" and "Littles" were then invited to go through the stands to receive donations from the crowd. From this fundraising event, BBBS received almost $500.

"I believe that our students learned that they have more to give. These semester-long service partnerships are developed in hopes that students take advantage of the opportunity to connect with our community," said Dominique Calhoun, Coordinator of Multicultural Services. "Moreover, after speaking with some of the æBigs,' I know that they are proud of the relationships that they have developed and feel ecstatic about the opportunity to mentor a child."

Even though the partnership officially ended at the conclusion of the Fall 2010 semester, strong matches that have been made have gotten off to a well- supported start. MSU currently has 40 mentors who are matched with a child or WFISD campus.

The partnership with MSU has created a lasting connection to a whole new world of "Big" possibilities.