Griffon pride is an integral part of life on the campus of Missouri Western State University.

This year, that pride has been multiplied several times over as the university has opened new facilities, embarked on a major science building project, saluted a retiring president and welcomed a new one. And there is more to come.

Plans for the immediate future include a much-needed upgrade in campus facilities focused on collegiate athletics and student recreation programs. These improvements are the direct result of the students themselves agreeing to the Max Experience $5-per-credit-hour fee assessment. This student fee raises about $500,000 annually.

The money already has allowed the university to install FieldTurf at Spratt Stadium and a new gym floor in the Looney Complex. Now, the university Board of Governors has approved selling bonds that will allow work on other projects to proceed quickly, with the future fee collections used to pay off the bonds.

Here’s what’s on tap: renovation of Spratt Stadium ($3.4 million), including the addition of bleacher seating for 2,000 on the visitors’ side by the 2009 football season; construction of an on-campus baseball stadium ($1.2 million); and construction of the Griff Zone, a sports-themed student recreational area ($400,000).

It’s notable that both Athletic Director Dave Williams and student leaders have said that these major improvements, while important and substantial, will not be enough on their own. Still to be funded are ideas for further upgrades to the stadium, a spring sports complex for softball and tennis, and an auxiliary fitness center.

The comment has been made that Western needs to catch up with the rest of the MIAA conference. There is truth in that, but most importantly Western needs to stay focused on providing the best possible student experience.

These projects, with significant funding from the Max Experience fees, take a large step in that direction. It’s something of which the students can be particularly proud.