Trulaske alum Leon Backes presents keynote address at December commencement

The University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business feted the accomplishments of its December graduates during a commencement ceremony Dec. 19 at Hearnes Center, with University of Missouri Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Matt Martens conferring degrees. 

Leon Backes, BSBA ’79, took the podium as keynote speaker. As chairman and founder of Provident, a Dallas-based team of real estate and financial service professionals that’s developed more than $9 billion in real estate projects, Backes has earned the respect of his peers and a spot in the North Texas Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame.

Backes reminisced about growing up as the oldest of nine kids in a small house near Osage City, Missouri, so close to the railroad tracks that, “when the trains rolled through, the upstairs shook.” He also shared with graduates his first taste of financial freedom: washing dishes for 75 cents an hour at a diner next door to the gas station that his father and uncle owned.

While he hadn’t yet settled on a degree when he arrived at Mizzou, a campus visit by a young real estate developer set Backes on his future career path.

“It was like a light bulb went off,” Backes told the graduates. “That was it. I had found my calling.”

While he faced numerous setbacks along the way, Backes eventually built an extensive portfolio that included shopping centers, apartments, master-planned communities, industrial parks and more. Today, Provident has more than 100 employees and has completed more than $9 billion in real estate projects.  

“So, what does this story mean for you?” Backes asked graduates. “It means you don’t have to have it all figured out today. It means your background doesn’t define your future. It means grit, hustle, and heart matter more than pedigree.”

Backes closed his remarks by calling on students to be bold, humble, generous and resilient. 

“You will face rejection. You will face setbacks,” he said. “But if you keep showing up, keep learning, keep persevering, and keep believing, and gut it out and figure it out…you’ll find your own way to success.”

For Balaji Rajagopalan, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. Dean of the Trulaske College of Business, hearing from Backes at an event that launches hundreds of future business leaders into the world was a meaningful reminder of the significant work being done by the college.

“Leon is the embodiment of Trulaske’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in our students,” Rajagopalan said. “We couldn’t be more grateful to him for sharing with us his story of grit, gumption and resilience.”

Backes was joined by student speaker Josh Dyer, who graduated in December with his bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in marketing. Dyer applied and was selected by Student Council to give his remarks.

A social media influencer with more than 700,000 followers, Dyer shared stories from his global travels, lessons learned during college, and how Trulaske empowered his path to entrepreneurship. He also encouraged fellow graduates to take steps to follow their own dreams — even if those steps are small. 

“We’re heading into startups and boardrooms, agencies and studios, spreadsheets and stories. Some of us will keep pivoting — and that’s okay. Don’t wait to feel ready. Begin where your feet are — send that email, pitch that crazy idea, ask that bigger question,” Dyer said. “And when doubt shows up, answer it the Trulaske way: with preparation, with people, and with purpose.”

As the future business leaders prepared to make their mark on the world, Rajagopalan concluded with these final remarks. 

“As you leave Mizzou, I know you take with you fond memories, enduring friendships, and life-altering connections. You also take with you the skills, knowledge, and determination to make a difference,” he said. “I urge you to dare to dream big and to never lose sight of your potential to create positive change in the world.”

Congratulations, Trulaske Tigers!

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.