Springfield, MO – Mission University welcomed prospective students to campus for its annual Patriot Days Spring Preview, held March 29–31, 2026. The event brought approximately 120 high school students, primarily juniors and seniors, to experience campus life firsthand and explore future enrollment opportunities.
Several churches from across the Baptist Bible Fellowship brought students from their youth ministries, creating a strong sense of connection and shared purpose throughout the weekend.
Patriot Days is designed to give students a comprehensive look at life at Mission University. Guests were fully immersed in the student experience, staying in dorms alongside current students, participating in mealtimes, and attending a hall meeting. This intentional structure allowed visitors to see beyond the classroom and gain a realistic understanding of campus culture and community.
The schedule included a variety of activities aimed at both engagement and exploration. Students participated in recreational opportunities such as pickleball and sand volleyball, attended a campus-wide worship night, and took part in a presidential tour of the university. An information fair provided detailed insight into the school’s academic programs and degree offerings, helping students better understand potential pathways for their future.
In addition to campus activities, guests were invited to sit in on classes, giving them a firsthand look at the academic environment and instructional approach at Mission University.
A highlight of the event was the chapel service, where guest speaker Anthony Milas, pastor of Granite United Church in Salem, New Hampshire, delivered a message to the students. Reflecting on his time on campus, Milas shared, “I’ve been telling all of my buddies since returning home from the campus that it is full of life and the kids are fired up, and the future seems bright.”
Youth pastors who attended with their students also emphasized the event’s impact. Tino Marantinio of Cross Creek Church in Fountain, Colorado, said, “I was honored to get to bring some of my students to show them the college that changed my life.” Nik Kieffer of Vine Family Fellowship Church in Arlington, Texas, added, “It was a full circle moment getting to take students to Patriot Days as I remembered my own experiences of both visiting and attending Mission University.”
Patriot Days continues to serve as a strategic opportunity for Mission University to connect with the next generation of students. By combining academic exposure, campus life experiences, and spiritual emphasis, the event provides a well-rounded introduction to the university.
As interest in Christian higher education continues, events like Patriot Days play an important role in helping students make informed decisions about their future while strengthening ties between the university and local churches.
Be the first to comment