Service drives our community and has since the university’s founding in 1839.

To honor that legacy, each year the Mizzou Alumni Association and Alumni Association Student Board choose a new class of remarkable students to receive the Mizzou 18 and Mizzou ’39 Awards. The Tigers chosen — 18 graduate and professional students and 39 undergraduate seniors — have shown the leadership needed to make an impact. Each recipient also chooses a faculty or staff mentor to acknowledge for their support and collaboration.

Despite the snow, on Friday we held a reception to congratulate our new Mizzou 18 recipients. On Saturday, I met the seniors of Mizzou ’39 and heard more about their accomplishments.

Through their research and outreach, these Tigers fully embody our Mizzou values of Respect, Responsibility, Discovery and Excellence. After more than 180 years, it’s clear our spirit of service is still going strong.

— Mun