The Pew Research Center estimates that 10,000 Americans reach retirement age every day. But when these individuals retire, what legacy is left? At Missouri State University, the Wall of Fame honors former faculty and staff who have made a significant impact on the campus community and brought about meaningful change.

Approved during the Board of Governors meeting today (May 12), the 2016 Wall of Fame Class includes: Dr. Don Aripoli, the late Dr. Lawrence Banks Jr., Dr. Wayne Bartee, the late William Daggett and Michael Smith.

This group represents approximately 137 years of combined full time service to Missouri State University.

“As we prepare for the Wall of Fame each year, I’m continually humbled by the work of our faculty and staff,” said President Clifton M. Smart, III. “Each name represents long-standing dedication to the university. It is so clear that these individuals were all driven by an unwavering sense of integrity and service to the mission of the university.”

The honorees will have their plaques added to the wall outside of the Plaster Student Union Ballroom during a formal ceremony at 4 p.m. Oct. 14, in conjunction with Homecoming. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

The 2016 Wall of Fame Class

Dr. Don Aripoli, vice president of student affairs, represented students. Tasked with building a progressive division, he carefully considered how students would benefit before each decision. He formed bonds with student leadership to better advocate for the student body’s needs and cultivated donors who contributed to important student life facilities. Under his leadership, the enrollment management office was built, which later led to increased admission standards.

Science was a passion for Dr. Lawrence Banks Jr. who was one of the first physics professors at Missouri State and later served as the dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. He was an early adopter of technology and was instrumental in the creation of the computer science department. Students and faculty praised him for his collaborative work and supportive nature, and he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Science Teachers of Missouri in 2000.

To his colleagues and students, Dr. Wayne Bartee, professor of history, felt like family. He had a keen interest in student success and was a mentor who motivated others to continue their research and build their expertise. When he served as department head, he was known to be fair and compassionate. He supported faculty research and continued to be an exemplary scholar of German and European history.

William Daggett wore many hats. He was the first librarian and first men’s basketball coach on campus, and he served as a history instructor while developing library science curriculum. By coaching, leading service projects, lecturing about social services, serving as advisor for YMCA on campus and expanding the community’s knowledge of other cultures, he helped students grow in and out of the classroom.

Often, Michael Smith was called the voice of KSMU. He was the director of news and production coordinator at the station. Personally tied to many talented musicians, he brought the genre of bluegrass music to listeners. As a mentor to students, he demanded high standards of accuracy and professionalism, which prepared them for the deadline-driven environment of journalism.

For more information, contact Terry Weber, director of the Plaster Student Union, at (417) 836-5886.

About Wall of Fame

Nominations for the Wall of Fame were gathered by the selection committee from faculty, staff and students. To qualify, nominees must have worked for the university full time for at least 10 years; additionally, five years must have passed since the individual was last employed full time at Missouri State. The nominees must be known and respected by various segments of the campus community for their demonstration of character and integrity, and their service must have resulted in meaningful change at the university.

The first names were added to the Wall of Fame in 2002, and this recognition has been bestowed upon 94 former faculty and staff during its past 14 ceremonies.