Missouri Valley College | Alumni Recognition Center and Museum

Alumni Recognition Center and Museum

The Alumni Recognition Center and Museum is located on the third floor of the historic Baity Hall. The museum was created in 2025 to serve as a gathering space for alumni and a central location to store the college’s precious memorabilia.

Filled with items dating back to 1906, the Center serves as a time capsule of the traditions that make Missouri Valley College distinctive. Every artifact tells a story that honors our past and inspires our future. This space is one of many ways we celebrate our exceptional alumni and inspire the next generation.

Bessie Odell, Class of 1912, was an active member of the Bairdeans Literary Society, a prominent student organization known for its success in inter-society debates. During her time at Missouri Valley College, the Bairdeans frequently earned recognition for their strong oratory and intellectual engagement, reflecting the academic spirit of the era. Featured in the 1912 yearbook, Bessie Odell’s involvement highlights the long-standing tradition of leadership, scholarship, and student involvement that continues to shape the Missouri Valley College experience today.

William Ira Ferguson enrolled in the preparatory academy in 1890 and graduated from Missouri Valley College in 1897 with a bachelor’s degree. Affectionately nicknamed “Pop” by his students, Ferguson dedicated more than 50 years to teaching and mentoring generations of MVC students. Although he officially retired in 1966, his commitment to the College continued as he served as a substitute instructor until the age of 95. Ferguson’s legacy extends beyond the classroom—he is also credited with naming MVC’s athletic teams the “Vikings” and coining the enduring phrase, “Valley Will Roll.” His personal Bible, now displayed in the Alumni Recognition Center and Museum, offers a tangible connection to his life, values, and lasting impact on Missouri Valley College.

Sabiduría, first printed in 1907, is Missouri Valley College’s historic yearbook. The word sabiduría means “wisdom” in Spanish—defined as deep understanding, sound judgment, and insight gained through experience and knowledge. This collection highlights yearbooks spanning from 1907 to 2011, preserving generations of student life, traditions, and campus history. Print and digital editions are available through the Murrell Library and Academic Support Center and can be accessed online via the Missouri Valley College Digital Archives at https://moval.digitalmobius.org/?locale=en.