Story and photos by Logan Jackson
Each year, the Mizzou Homecoming tri-directors oversee the traditions that make Homecoming such a beloved experience for multiple generations of Tigers.
Senior Megan Mesikapp understands the importance of the role. As one of this year’s tri-directors, Mesikapp oversaw last week’s record-breaking blood drive and is leading committees for the talent competition and general Homecoming outreach.
“I’m a very nostalgic and sentimental person,” said Mesikapp, a journalism major who is also pursuing the Honors College Certificate. “Right now, I’m just trying to soak up every moment. Homecoming is truly my favorite time of the year. If I could go back and relive each of these experiences all over again, I totally would, which is why I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be a tri-director this year. I’m thankful to be able to serve the Mizzou and Columbia communities in this way.”
Forever Faurotcious
Mesikapp’s involvement in Homecoming goes back to her freshman year. An active member of Phi Mu and Mizzou Club Dance, Mesikapp participated in the Homecoming Parade during her first two years as a Tiger. She took on a bigger role last year as part of the Homecoming Steering Committee. Mesikapp was part of the parade committee and was responsible for getting the various floats and groups ready for the show.
“The parade is such a fun tradition, and it’s one I’m very passionate about,” Mesikapp said. “It was so cool to help get everyone lined up and hyped up the morning of the parade last year. It’s just exciting for everyone, whether you’re participating in the parade or cheering on the participants from the crowd.”
While the parade was a key reason that Mesikapp wanted to take her Homecoming involvement to the next level, it was actually the Tiger Food Fight that motivated her to apply to be a tri-director. The annual food drive kicks off the Homecoming festivities each year and provides contributions to the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, which benefits Tiger Pantry on the Mizzou campus.
“Once I participated in the Tiger Food Fight, I saw how much Mizzou students truly impact the campus and Columbia communities,” said Mesikapp, who is serving alongside Blake Ford, an agriculture systems technology major, and Owen Reynolds, an agribusiness management major. “That motivated me to apply to be a tri-director, with the hope that I could get even more students involved in this incredible experience.”
Mesikapp’s first big project as tri-director – the blood drive – was a massive success. Mizzou began partnering with the American Red Cross on its student-led blood drive in 1983. Last week, a record 5,150 units of blood were collected.
“The blood drive was a bit intimidating at first,” Mesikapp said. “It’s a nationally recognized event; we had individuals from Arizona, Oregon and Washington, D.C., at our drive to see how everything operates. Plus, the national public relations team from the Red Cross was in attendance because it’s the largest student-run blood drive in the nation. It’s a massive undertaking. The committee I chose for the blood drive was incredible. They worked so hard and were so diligent throughout the planning process. It was an amazing feeling to eclipse our collection total from last year.”
Under Mesikapp’s leadership, there are more than 100 student organizations participating in Homecoming festivities. She said it’s the most they’ve ever had involved in at least one Homecoming activity.
Mesikapp’s attention is now on this week’s talent showcase, which includes three nights of skits, songs and performances from many talented Tigers.
“My primary goal was to get as many students involved as I could,” Mesikapp said. “I don’t want anyone to feel like they’re being left out, especially during an event as beloved as Homecoming.”
Beyond the Byline
A Chicago, Illinois, native, Mesikapp first learned about Mizzou through the Missouri University Journalism Workshop, a summer program for high school students interested in journalism.
“I was the editor-in-chief of my high school newspaper, and I was looking for opportunities to dip my toes into the world a bit more before pursuing a degree in journalism,” Mesikapp said. “I begged my parents to go, and, after a lot of convincing, I was off to Columbia. I immediately fell in love with the university. I couldn’t wait to apply to come back to officially become a Tiger.”
Mesikapp’s interest in journalism began when she was in the third grade after she created her own newspaper for her classmates. While she brought that passion to Mizzou, a course in news production shifted her focus from reporting to producing.
“I thought I wanted to be a reporter or an anchor, but after taking David Estrada Orúe’s production class, I knew I wanted to be a producer,” Mesikapp said. “I stayed in Columbia this summer to produce for KOMU. It was such a great experience and really solidified what I want to do moving forward.”
Estrada Orúe is an assistant professor in the School of Journalism.
Mesikapp’s Mizzou involvement extends well beyond her journalism work. She is part of the Mizzou Tour Team and has been active in the Honors College throughout her time on campus.
“What I love about the Honors College is the close-knit, intimate community that it provides,” Mesikapp said. “You have the opportunity to participate in truly meaningful conversations with faculty through Honors courses. The classes I’ve taken have been very fulfilling, but what has really made it worthwhile for me are the in-depth discussions I have had with my peers and faculty.”
As a tour guide, Mesikapp shares her passion for all things Mizzou with prospective students. That includes an in-depth discussion about the Honors College, the School of Journalism and Homecoming.
“I remember on my campus tour, the guide mentioned how important Homecoming was for the entire campus,” Mesikapp said. “I didn’t realize how big of a deal it was until I got here. I love having the opportunity to share how amazing Mizzou is. I feel so lucky to be part of that team.”