As the new year begins, we continue our series of exciting alumni events that celebrate Mizzou’s incredible impact and ambition. This week, nearly 90 Tigers turned out for a seaside gathering in Newport Beach, California. We were joined by many notable guests, including members of the Shelden family, whose parents endowed the groundbreaking Shelden Clinical Simulation Center.

An inspiring keynote was provided by MU College of Engineering Dean Marisa Chrysochoou. Dean Chrysochoou shared Mizzou’s strong support for neurodiverse communities and the ways we leverage AI to make a difference for people in Missouri and around the world. Representatives from the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, the University of Missouri Research Reactor and the Shelden Clinical Simulation Center were available to provide interactive demonstrations of our work in these important fields.

As guests in the Los Angeles area, we were also sensitive to the numerous residents – including Tiger students and alumni – impacted by the ongoing fires. We were honored that so many still chose to attend and show their support for Mizzou. University leadership was proud to make contributions to causes benefiting those affected.

I enjoyed seeing fellow Tigers and hearing what makes them passionate about Mizzou.

— Mun