Published on Nov. 18, 2022
Early September brings different meanings for the many different corners of Mizzou. Football season begins, classes hit their stride, and Mizzou Homecoming fast approaches. For Mizzou honors students, September brings Geek Week, a week-long celebration of all things “geeky” that is open to all students.
Now in its eighth year, Geek Week is coordinated by the Honors Programming Board, a group of students who work year-round to provide the honors community with fun, welcoming events.
This year’s geeky activities included a “Mocktails and Board Games” event on Monday, followed by Tie-Dye and Trivia nights on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, Programming Board hosted an 80s-themed Murder Mystery Dinner with food and costumes. The week concluded with a presentation on the 1970s by Honors College professor Dr. Maya Gibson and a group trip to Columbia’s Pride Festival.
Hannah Shupert, senior political science major, is an executive officer on Honors Programming Board.
“I thought Geek Week was a huge success this year!” Shupert said. “Personally, my favorite event was our 1980s-themed Murder Mystery dinner. It was so cool to see everyone decked out in their 80s gear, and I loved how passionate the participants got about their roles!”
Rachel Sacharin, senior human development and family sciences major, also serves as an executive officer for the programming board.
“Tuesday was arguably my favorite because I love crafts,” Sacharin said. “Tie dying was so much fun, and I learned that you’re supposed to presoak fabrics before you dye them.”
Geek Week and the other events led by Programming Board offer opportunities for students to build relationships and community within the Honors College.
“I think Geek Week offers a chance to meet other people in the honors community that you might not have during class times or in the residential halls, especially if you aren’t living in Mark Twain,” said Sacharin. “It also gives older students a chance to meet younger students and maybe find someone to mentor or make new friends.”
Shupert also led involvement with Homecoming for the Honors College, working with Programming Board members to participate in events like Day of Service, Decorate the District, and the campus-wide Blood Drive. This year, the Honors College placed first in the Black and Gold level of involvement.
“Overall, it was a great experience, but my personal favorite element was participating in Decorate the District,” said Shupert. “This year, we held an Honors College-wide contest for our window design…The winning artist, Hannah Schuh, was a pleasure to work with, and we are so thankful for her help and the help of everyone else who came out to decorate the windows at Skylark Bookshop!”
Shupert and Sacharin believe that attending honors events poses a multitude of opportunities for connection and growth for students.
“Some of my best friends are from being involved in the Honors College, and I have taken some of the best classes with the best professors who are constantly cheering me on even though I have finished their respective classes,” said Sacharin.
“Getting involved with the honors community is a great way to make Mizzou feel smaller for students,” said Shupert. “At a large institution like Mizzou, it can be difficult to find your place and feel connected. Becoming more involved with the Honors College through Programming Board events not only exposes students to fun activities and meaningful experiences, but provides opportunities to connect with Honors College students, staff, and faculty, potentially opening doors for future involvement and networking opportunities!”
To find ways to get involved with the Honors College, visit our Engage page and follow along with our social media accounts (Facebook & Instagram) and newsletter announcements.