President Choi’s Blog
Commencement weekend celebrates Tiger excellence
May 10, 2024
(Left to right) President Choi, Sarah Leen, Dr. Gilbert Ross, Dr. Marcia Chatelain and Interim Provost Matt Martens during a brunch celebrating honorary degree recipients.
Congratulations to the more than 5,100 students graduating this weekend! I’m so proud of their accomplishments and know they are prepared to lead our state and nation.
As we celebrate the Class of 2024, I also want to recognize four incredible MU alumni receiving honorary degrees. An honorary degree is the highest form of recognition offered by the university. We are pleased to acknowledge their many contributions to Mizzou and their fields.
• Dr. Marcia Chatelain is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and a widely published scholar. She is currently the Penn President Compact Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
• Sarah Leen is an award-winning photojournalist and former director of photography at National Geographic. She now serves as a photo editor, teacher and mentor to a new generation of visual storytellers.
• Dr. Gilbert Ross orchestrated mid-Missouri’s first kidney transplant surgery and is a founding member of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. He has spent more than 60 years serving throughout the MU School of Medicine.
Don Walsworth will receive an honorary degree during the Trulaske College of Business ceremony.
• Don Walsworth is a well-known business leader, former chair of the Board of Curators and an incredible supporter of the university and Mizzou Athletics. He is CEO of Walsworth, Inc., one of the nation’s largest book and magazine publishers.
I look forward to formally recognizing our honorary degree recipients – and all Mizzou graduates – at commencement ceremonies throughout the weekend.
M-I-Z!
— Mun
Guggenheim Fellow is newest MizzouForward faculty member
May 3, 2024
Mizzou’s own Utku Asuroglu, a postdoctoral teaching fellow in composition at the School of Music, was recently named a 2024 Guggenheim Fellow. This fellowship is one of the most prestigious and competitive in the country. Dr. Asuroglu is the only 2024 recipient from Missouri.
We’re proud to announce that Dr. Asuroglu is also our newest MizzouForward hire! He is the 21st MizzouForward faculty in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the 71st overall. Dr. Asuroglu will be teaching courses in music composition and electronic music.
Mizzou was the first university in the nation to offer postdoctoral fellowships in composition, thanks to the visionary support of Curator Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield. Because of MizzouForward, Dr. Asuroglu will continue to share his incredible talent with our community and grow our reputation as a center for contemporary music.
Congratulations, Dr. Asuroglu!
— Mun
Commending our world-class faculty
May 2, 2024
Last night, we celebrated the 2024 William T. Kemper Fellowships for Teaching Excellence, the highest teaching award given at Mizzou. Since 1991, Mizzou and Commerce Bank have worked together to recognize MU faculty members who demonstrate a deep commitment to student success.
Our 2024 Kemper winners are:
• Nicole Campione-Barr – professor of psychological sciences, College of Arts and Science
• Jason Furrer – associate teaching professor of molecular microbiology and immunology, School of Medicine
• Seth Howes – associate professor of German, College of Arts and Science
• Amy M. Knopps – associate director of bands and director of athletic bands, College of Arts and Science
• Chris Prestigiacomo – associate teaching professor and Vairam Arunachalam Distinguished Teaching Professor, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business
Each fellow was introduced by a former student who shared the profound impact of our faculty. We were proud to honor them alongside their families, students, colleagues and past Kemper recipients.
The Kemper Awards Ceremony concluded our annual Faculty Excellence Week. Across multiple events, including a Kickoff Celebration, Faculty Book Authors Celebration and a Faculty Awards Ceremony, our community came together to applaud faculty and their outstanding dedication to teaching, research and meaningful engagement.
Each day, Mizzou’s world-class faculty make valuable contributions to our state and society. I enjoyed recognizing their many accomplishments.
— Mun
Honoring our incredible supporters and alumni
April 30, 2024
We recently welcomed loyal Tigers back to campus for Donor Recognition Weekend. Over the three-day celebration, we were proud to share our gratitude as well as our ambitions for continued excellence.
One of many highlights was the Jefferson Club Golden Quill Alumni Excellence Awards. We honored six distinguished MU alumni for demonstrating outstanding achievement in their fields:
• John Anderson – ESPN SportsCenter anchor
• William F. “Bill” Baker – regarded as the most important living structural engineer
• Steve Ellebracht – founding principal of IsoTherapeutics, a leading radiopharmaceutical company
• The late Anne R. Kenney – a pioneer in developing standards for digitizing library materials
• Dr. Dale E. Klein – Reese Endowed Professor of Engineering at the University of Texas and former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• And Dr. Jim Simón – co-founder and chief scientific officer of IsoTherapeutics
We were also thrilled to welcome our new AD Laird Veatch and his wife Brandy to Saturday night’s Jefferson Club Annual Dinner – just one day after he was formally introduced to the Mizzou community. It was an opportunity for AD Veatch to meet fellow Tigers and to share his vision for winning championships.
We’re always pleased to thank those who support the university in so many ways. Whether it’s achieving record student success, victories on the field or incredible research breakthrough – our donors help shape the future of Mizzou.
— Mun
Experiencing world-class music in Columbia
April 24, 2024
Columbia resident and internationally-renowned conductor Scott Yoo was joined by MU faculty and other virtuosic performers for concerts featuring the music of Brahms, Mozart and Fauré. These unique events are part of the 20th anniversary of the Odyssey Chamber Music Series, the only local organization specializing in chamber music.
Maestro Yoo is an accomplished violinist, the host of PBS Great Performances’ “Now Hear This” series and the Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra. MU School of Music professors Peter Miyamoto (piano), Alice Dade (flute) and Odyssey’s Executive and Artistic Director Ayako Tsuruta were among those accompanying his powerful performances.
There’s a strong connection between Odyssey and Mizzou. Director Tsuruta came to Columbia in 2003 and is married to Professor Miyamoto. Maestro Yoo is married to Professor Dade and both are dedicated supporters of Odyssey and the creative community on campus and around mid-Missouri.
I’m grateful to Maestro Yoo, Director Tsuruta, our faculty and all the musicians for sharing their talent and artistic excellence.
— Mun
Global impact with Fulbright and International Programs
April 18, 2024
Dr. Kattesh Katti, Curators’ Distinguished Professor and Director of the Institute of Green Nanotechnology and of the University of Missouri Cancer Nanotechnology Platform, has been selected as a Fulbright specialist for 2024.
He is globally credited for inventing a new medical modality referred to as “Nano-Ayurvedic Medicine.” This innovative breakthrough combines nanomedicine with ayurveda, a millennia-old medical practice in India. As a Fulbright specialist, Dr. Katti will lead a six-week research mission at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.
Dr. Katti is in good company. Mizzou’s International Programs works with the Fulbright Scholar Program to support educational excellence around the world. Dr. Katti joins at least four other MU faculty members who received Fulbright awards for the next academic year. New recipients will continue to be announced through the end of the semester.
Congratulations to Dr. Katti – and all Mizzou Fulbright awardees – on their outstanding achievements!
— Mun
Cheer Team & Truman take national titles
April 17, 2024
MU’s Cheer Team just won a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) National Championship for the second year in a row! They hit two out of two routines and scored 95.2245 – reflecting a high degree of skill and excellence – to secure the Intermediate Large Coed Division IA Championship.
Mizzou’s success didn’t stop there. Truman also won the NCA competition for best mascot! The iconic tiger scored 92.5, topping fellow mascots from the SEC and universities across the country.
Our student-athletes rise to the challenge and compete against the best in the nation. Congratulations to Head Coach Cynthia Metz, the Cheer Team and Truman on their accomplishments. They represented Mizzou with dedication and spirit.
— Mun
Golden Gala spotlights Missouri film, Broadway star Ginger Rogers
April 16, 2024
I joined Board Chair Robin Wenneker and members of the Mizzou community for a special Golden Gala honoring the life and fashion of film star – and Missouri native – Ginger Rogers.
Hosted by A&S, the gala was the culmination of an entire “Day of Ginger,” highlighting the Missouri Historic Costume & Textile Collection (MHCTC) and their new exhibition of Ginger Rogers’ distinctive costumes. The MHCTC, housed in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management (TAM), has an incredible collection of clothing and other items from Ginger’s long career on the screen and stage.
The gala was a throwback to the Golden Age of Hollywood and featured live music as well as performances by the Mizzou Ballroom Dance Club. Eight TAM students also showed their own pieces that were inspired by apparel from the collection.
Marge Padgitt, former owner and director of the Owens-Rogers House in Independence, Mo., as well as Roberta Olden, Ginger Rogers’ personal assistant, donated all items in the exhibition. We’re grateful for their trust and proud to share these historic objects with a new generation.
The MHCTC makes world-class research readily available to the Mizzou community as well as scholars from across the nation and world. I enjoyed celebrating the life of a notable Missourian and seeing the incredible creativity of our students.
— Mun
Celebrating our new student leaders
April 10, 2024
I joined more than 100 students, faculty and staff to celebrate the inauguration of three newly elected leaders of Mizzou’s undergraduate student government, the Missouri Students Association (MSA). Congratulations to President Clay Van Eaton, Vice President Emily Brockmann and Speaker of the Senate Maggie Funston. I also want to thank outgoing President Miyah Jones, Vice President Cydney Perkins and Speaker Danny Daugherty, as well as all involved in MSA for their incredible contributions to our community.
I rely on MSA leaders for their valuable input and collaboration on issues affecting all of campus. We’ve partnered together on many important initiatives, such as enhancing student success, expanding opportunities for student emergency funding, increasing mental health support, and so much more.
MSA embodies the principles of our university and makes a lasting impact on Mizzou. I look forward to working with these new student leaders.
— Mun
Recognizing Sen. Blunt and supporting agriculture in the Bootheel
April 9, 2024
Last Friday, I traveled to Mizzou’s Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center (FD-REEC) in Portageville for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Roy Blunt Soil Testing and Research Laboratory. We were honored that former U.S. Sen. Blunt joined us for the celebration, as well as numerous state and university leaders who were critical to developing this important facility. Also attending were Shelly and Stacey, the wife and daughter of Jake Fisher – the longtime superintendent and namesake of the center who passed away last year.
When completed, the Roy Blunt Soil Testing and Research Laboratory will cover more than 6,000 square feet. Its advanced resources will combine the latest testing technology with science-based recommendations to positively impact Missouri agriculture. The services offered are unique and currently unavailable in the Bootheel region.
I want to recognize Sen. Blunt and his incredible commitment to Missouri farmers. I’m also grateful for our many additional supporters, including Mo. Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn, Mo. Sen. Jason Bean, former Mo. Rep. Don Rone, Curator Keith Holloway, CEO and Executive Director for the Missouri Soybean Association Gary Wheeler, CAFNR Vice Chancellor and Dean Chris Daubert, Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement Chad Higgins and FD-REEC Advisory Board Chair Trent Haggard. Thanks also to the Delta Regional Authority, the Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission, Robert Cook and Laura Collins with the Southeast Missouri Regional Water District and the FD-REEC Advisory Board, as well as the center’s dedicated staff.
We are thrilled to bring this incredible resource to the Bootheel. We’re also pleased to honor Sen. Blunt’s enduring advocacy for science and agriculture in our state.
— Mun