At alumni events across the country, we continue to share Mizzou’s transformative impact and the critical importance of Power the Roar – a bold, $2 billion campaign to secure our land-grant mission for generations. We recently returned to Naples, Florida, home of a large and dedicated Tiger community, to showcase our work as a global leader in the fight against cancer.

One of many highlights was a luncheon featuring Dr. Gerhard Hildebrandt, an expert in blood cancer and director of the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. Dr. Hildebrandt shared remarkable advancements in cancer treatment that are available right here in mid-Missouri, including CAR-T cell therapy. He also discussed the growing role of nuclear medicine and radioisotopes, such as those produced at the University of Missouri Research Reactor, as well as the importance of clinical trials in expanding breakthrough discoveries. Many prominent Mizzou supporters were in attendance, including Gary and Missy Pinkel, Mike and Christy Otten, Alan and Mary Atterbury and former chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators Julia Brncic and her husband Steve.

At our keynote presentation on Thursday evening, Dr. Paul de Figueiredo provided a moving overview of the history of cancer research at Mizzou and how he and his team are pioneering novel treatments that can greatly reduce the cost of care for patients and their families.

At each event, I enjoy sharing Mizzou’s lifesaving accomplishments with our proud alumni. I also enjoy hearing firsthand how a Mizzou education prepared them to make a difference – and how they are ready to share that same opportunity with others through Power the Roar.

— Mun