Missouri Valley University Celebrates New Era at Cards’ Game

Missouri Valley University celebrated tradition, school spirit and a new chapter in its history Saturday, August 29, as students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends gathered at Busch Stadium for Missouri Valley University Day during the St. Louis Cardinals game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The day showcased Valley on one of Missouri’s biggest stages, highlighted by Missouri Valley University President Joe Parisi throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and the University’s Cheer and Dance team performing on the field at Busch Stadium.

For Parisi, a St. Louis native, the opportunity carried both personal and professional significance.

“Growing up in St. Louis and Missouri, and being part of Cardinals and Royals baseball, is more than a tradition—it’s a part of who we are,” Parisi said. “Generations of Missouri families have shared memories at Busch and Kauffman Stadium, passed down their love of the game and carried amazing traditions with an American pastime. To have the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Busch Stadium for the St. Louis Cardinals was an incredibly meaningful moment for me—not only personally, but as president of Missouri Valley University.”

Parisi said the opportunity was particularly special as Missouri Valley begins its new era as a university.

“It was especially meaningful to represent Missouri Valley University and our entire constituency on such a special stage,” Parisi said. “Our university is built on the same values that make Missouri special—tradition, community, honor, perseverance and a belief in bringing people together.”

Standing on the field, Parisi said he was reminded that the moment represented far more than one individual. “I was representing our students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, friends and all those who believe in the mission and future of Missouri Valley University,” he said.

“For me, Saturday was a beautiful intersection of where I came from and where I have the privilege of serving today. To throw out the first pitch at a Cardinals game, surrounded by the traditions I grew up with, while representing Missouri Valley University and its entire constituency, was an honor I will always treasure. It was a moment that connected personal history, university valor and the shared spirit of Missouri—and one I know will hold a special place in my heart. Valley Will Roll!”

Missouri Valley University Cheer and Dance also took center stage Saturday, performing for Cardinals fans on the field at Busch Stadium. The 58-member cheer team delivered a zero-deduction performance, commonly referred to in competitive cheer as “hitting zero.”

“Saturday was a great day, and our team had a wonderful performance,” said assistant coach Rylee Mills. “The team worked hard to put the routine out there for Cardinals fans and give them a great performance. Saturday meant a lot to us. Performing on the Cardinals field and on that stage is a great start for the new era of MVU.”

For Missouri Valley University Dance Coach Kristen Revis, the performance marked an especially meaningful milestone for the University’s Spirit Teams. “Yesterday was an incredible day in Spirit Team history,” Revis said. “Not only did we have our first appearance together as Missouri Valley University, but we also had our very first performance on the field at Busch Stadium! Our Cheer and Dance teams did an absolutely fantastic job, and we could not be more proud of how they represented MVU on such a special day.”

Revis said the opportunity was about more than the performance itself—it was a chance for current student-athletes to help establish traditions that will continue for years to come. “These are the moments that the athletes can look back at as alumni and say, ‘I started that tradition,’” Revis said. “We cannot wait to see what else the season has in store for us. Valley Will Roll!”

With the Cardinals performance behind them, Mills, Revis and the teams are now looking ahead to another milestone—the first Missouri Valley University home football game of the season on Saturday, September 12.

The August 29 celebration at Busch Stadium served as another memorable moment in Missouri Valley University’s transition into its new era, bringing together longtime Missouri traditions and the growing momentum surrounding Valley’s future.