Today Missouri Military Academy (MMA) will celebrate Founders' Day, Nov. 22, commemorating the Academy's 134th year of educating and developing leaders of character. The Founders’ Day celebration includes a fundraising campaign with a goal of $100,000 to support essential MMA academic, athletic, leadership, and cadet life programs, cadet scholarships, and more.

"Since our founding in 1889, the community’s support has been integral to fulfilling our mission — teaching young men how to take command of their futures,” said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “Through Founders’ Day, we celebrate the strong, mutually beneficial relationship between the Academy and Mexico area – a relationship that grows stronger each year as our cadets benefit from the community’s generosity and welcoming environment, local businesses benefit from the thousands who annually attend Academy events, and local non-profits benefit from our cadet’s community service. We are grateful for the continued support of our community."

MMA's founding history dates to the late 1800s when Mexico, Missouri, was known as the "driving young metropolis of the Grand Prairie." The town had an impressive business district, a growing education system, and a respected women's college. However, community leaders recognized the need for a local academy for young men to offer a classical education with military training and an emphasis on discipline. The vision for such an institution became a reality in 1889, when a proposal for a private boys' academy was presented at a public meeting. With overwhelming support from the community, funds were raised quickly, and the Academy opened its doors in September 1890.

Today, Missouri Military Academy encompasses 288 acres, featuring a state-of-the-art academic building, air-conditioned residential halls, full gym, indoor swimming pool, fieldhouse with indoor track, horse stables, a paintball course, outdoor challenge obstacle courses, rappelling, rock climbing walls and more. Through the generosity of donors, the Academy continues to implement improvements and enhancements to its facilities, programs, and capabilities.

To learn more about MMA's Founders' Day and to make a gift in support of the Academy, please contact Vice President for Institutional Advancement Rob Silbaugh at 573.581.1776 ext. 230.