The Denver area is home to more than 6,300 Tigers – making it one of the largest Mizzou alumni communities in the country. Earlier this week, I was pleased to join many accomplished Colorado alumni to celebrate all things Mizzou, including our transformative research that is saving and improving lives.

The program kicked off with a warm welcome from Rusty Martin, president of the Rocky Mountain Tigers Alumni Chapter and Jefferson Club Board of Trustees member. The keynote was a moving presentation from Dr. Paul de Figueiredo, NextGen Precision Health Endowed Professor of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, about his innovative cancer research.

Dr. de Figueiredo previously secured a $20 million grant to develop affordable, accessible treatments using an unlikely source – bacteria. He shared the story behind his work, including personal connections to both Colorado and Missouri, and how Mizzou’s investments in research excellence are shaping a new generation of medical breakthroughs.

At Mizzou, we are building healthier communities and finding new solutions to society’s most difficult challenges. It was great spending time with our supporters in Denver, and I look forward to returning soon!

— Mun