For generations of alumni, Welcome Week traditions like Paint the M and First Roar introduced them to what makes our community a special place. Building on that legacy, this year we’re excited to include a new Welcome Week tradition for incoming students: First Class.

First Class is an academic convocation, highlighting the resources and support available to help Tigers succeed on their Mizzou journey. Some of you may remember a more traditional ceremony from years past. At this year’s newly reimagined ceremony held in Hearnes Center, students will hear from university leaders, along with a special keynote address from Mizzou alum David Novak, BJ ’74, co-founder and retired chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands. David and his family have made major investments in the next generation of Mizzou leaders by establishing the Novak Leadership Institute, the world’s first center dedicated to strategic communication-based leadership, available to students of all majors. His path from campus to global business leader shows the power and possibilities of a Mizzou degree.

The event will be emceed by two distinguished student leaders, seniors Tyson Ellison and Hailey Hester. Tyson is a broadcast journalism major from Boonville, Missouri, who contributes to KOMU 8 and the Tiger Kickoff Show and has interned with NBCUniversal. Hailey is a broadcast journalism major and Honors College student from McKinney, Texas, who serves as an anchor for KOMU 8, a member of the Alumni Association Student Board and vice president of recruitment for the Phi Mu chapter at Mizzou.

Hailey, Tyson and David all prove that Mizzou is where leaders are made, and they provide incredible examples of the life-changing opportunities available to our incoming students.

Marching Mizzou will also perform throughout the ceremony, along with special remarks from Director of Marching Mizzou and alum Dr. Amy M. Knopps, BS Ed ’01. All alumni are invited to join the livestream of First Class on Aug. 23 starting at 2 p.m.

No matter where their Mizzou education takes them, Tigers are dedicated to leadership, service and excellence. As we begin a new academic year, I am proud to welcome our incoming students at First Class, and I look forward to seeing how they make a difference on campus and beyond.

— Mun