Published on Oct. 18, 2019
MU Honors College student, biochemistry major and Homecoming royalty candidate Michaela Thomson (left) is escorted onto Faurot Field by alumna Neeti Butala, BJ ’18, during halftime of Mizzou’s 38-27 win over Ole Miss Oct. 12, 2019.
Homecoming is the most revered annual tradition throughout the Mizzou community. This year’s theme, “Tradition Stands Forever,” marked the 108th anniversary of the first MU Homecoming. So it goes without saying that the oldest Honors College in the U.S. joined in on festivities, taking fifth place in “The Columns” level of competition. One of four categories of group involvement during Homecoming, The Columns includes royalty events, the blood drive, Decorate the District (window decorations in downtown Columbia), flag football and a banner competition.
Here’s a rundown of how MU Honors College students participated.
Paw-rade
The Honors College participated in the Homecoming parade on Oct. 12. Students and faculty handed out books to the crowd, signifying the Honors College mission of lifelong learning.
Pre-health professions major Aubrielle Maginness (left) and art major Zoe Rich — both Honors College students — hand out books on behalf of the college at the 2019 Homecoming Parade in downtown Columbia.
Themed Fun
The Honors College incorporated elements of Lord of the Rings into banners, costumes, Decorate the District window art and parade events.
A Clear Masterpiece
Window art displayed “home is behind, the world is ahead,” a phrase from the book series. Junior Zoe Rich, a member of the Honors College Ambassadors Executive Board, helped create the Decorate the District design. “Working with the Honors College on Homecoming is one of my favorite things during the year because it builds bridges between Honors students from all walks of life and allows us to be part of an amazing Mizzou tradition,” Rich said.
Honors College students painted the windows of the Columbia Art League on Ninth Street for the Homecoming “Decorate the District” festivities.
Tradition Stands on Carnahan
Students created a banner representing the Honors theme which was displayed on Carnahan Quad. Residents of Mark Twain Hall, one of two Honors residential spaces, led the banner project.
Residents of Mark Twain Hall, where many Honors College students live, entered the banner competition for Homecoming 2019.
Crown Jewels
Honors students represented two of this year’s top 10 Homecoming court. Homecoming top 10 senior Michaela Thomson was sponsored by the Honors College Programming Board, which plans various events and activities for Honors students. Honors College Recruitment Ambassadors represented senior Christian Cmehil-Warn, who placed in the top 30.