Published on March 14, 2019

With Giving Day 2019 now well underway, we are pleased to share these profiles and comments from our initial campaign supporters—those who made an early commitment to express their support for Honors. We thank them, and you, for your unwavering support of our students, our mission, and our accomplishments!

Jones Family

All five members of the Jones family—Michael, Lillian, Christian, Benjamin, and Andrew—are MU Honors Tigers. Three are alums (Michael, ’86, MD ‘97; Lillian, ’86; and Christian, ’13) while the twins, Drew and Ben, are currently sophomores. They have recently designated the joint Honors–MU School of Medicine’s PAWS Program as their program of choice for their giving. Designed to give underrepresented students an exceptional path towards medical school, PAWS, with the support of the Joneses, has already become a national model for collaborative success and preparing graduates for success.

Of giving, the family notes: “We feel that the University of Missouri is a jewel of higher education serving the state of Missouri, the Midwest, and beyond.  It offers excellent educational opportunities across several academic disciplines. Our individual educations and experiences at Mizzou have prepared us to compete against those educated at any other university in the world.  We love the university’s current and alumni communities.  We represent two generations of “True Sons” and very proud Missouri Tigers.  We are honored to give so that others can experience the many opportunities the university has to offer.”

Kylie Tutko

Honors alum, dual degree recipient, and exceptional Admissions Representative: these are just a few of the terms that describe Kylie. “It is important for me to give back and to do so by supporting Honors.” A 2012 graduate in Spanish and Journalism, she has served MU and the Honors College through her work in admissions since graduating and has been directing her gifts towards supporting the opportunities in Honors, of which she benefited.

Dr. Shari Freyermuth

When faculty decide where to direct their giving, they are signaling their priorities and what they value the most about Mizzou. And while Honors is not the only MU entity to which she gives, Shari Freyermuth, a teaching professor of Biochemistry and CAFNR’s Assistant Dean, has been a monthly donor to Honors for more than four years. “I give to Honors because I see the enormous impact an undergraduate research experience has on our students,” she notes of her choice to support the College’s programs in undergraduate research and artistry.