May 7, 2024

Senior Spotlight: Dane Walker

Through Project Lead the Way – a nonprofit organization that develops STEM curriculum for elementary, middle and high schools across the country – Dane Walker was introduced to a variety of scientific fields. The subject that clicked the most for Walker was engineering. When he made the decision to continue his education at the University of Missouri, he knew the College of Engineeringwas going to be the perfect fit. “I was able to learn more about several fields within engineering throughout high school,” said Walker, who will graduate with a civil engineering degree from MU. “Civil engineering…

May 6, 2024

Senior Spotlight: Elizabeth Trower

Participants in the Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA) select one major course of study from four broad academic categories – mathematics, science, social studies and humanities. During Elizabeth Trower’s stint as a Scholar, she was placed in a journalism major class. The experience was a transformative one. Not only did Trower realize she had a passion for journalism, but she was also able to get a closer look at the University of Missouri campus. Those two factors played a massive role when Trower was making her college decision. “I had always loved Mizzou but one of the big reasons…

May 6, 2024

Senior Spotlight: Natalie Gilpin

Natalie Gilpin, a senior majoring in health science on the pre-professional emphasis track, has known that she wanted to be an optometrist since the seventh grade. Now, with graduation on the horizon and an acceptance to Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Gilpin credits Mizzou with being instrumental to her success.  “I have truly been here for the academics,” she said. “That’s something I’ve always been really passionate about and I feel that has served me super well. This is an education that you wouldn’t get in other places.” Gilpin remembers that…

Dec. 14, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Matt Houk

Matt Houk has always loved to learn. That passion for education led Houk to the University of Missouri, where he will graduate this December with three degrees – political science, history and communication – as well as two minors and a handful of certificates, including the Honors Certificate. Houk accomplished a lot during his time at MU, and those achievements led him to being selected as the student speaker during the Honors commencement ceremony. It was Houk’s interest in learning, as well as a desire to follow a blueprint that his older sister…

Dec. 13, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Caroline Lyman

During Caroline Lyman’s first collegiate soccer match, the freshman University of Missouri defender found herself lined up against Stanford University forward Sophia Smith. Smith, who was a sophomore, had been a regular on the United States Women’s Youth National Team training circuit and was coming off a solid freshman campaign. It was quite the “welcome to college soccer” moment for Lyman. That first match proved to Lyman that her years of hard work on the pitch had been worth it – she was officially a Div. I athlete and part of one of the best conferences in the country, the…

Dec. 12, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Felix Wang

Felix Wang has made sure to make the most of his time at the University of Missouri. The senior will graduate in December with two degrees – English and information technology – as well as the Honors Certificate. Wang also took part in a study abroad experience in Ireland and has participated in multiple undergraduate research projects. Those accomplishments don’t even include Wang’s involvement in a variety of other clubs and organizations. “I’ve definitely been able to explore a wide range of interests during my time at Mizzou,” said Wang, who is from St. Joseph, Missouri.

Dec. 11, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Kimberly Barr

When her cousin was born prematurely, Kimberly Barr found herself spending a lot of time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). While Barr was plenty familiar with hospitals – her mom is a nurse – this was first time she had spent an extended period of time interacting with other nurses. As she watched her cousin get stronger, Barr, who was in high school, began searching for collegiate nursing programs, with the goal of eventually becoming a NICU nurse. That search led her to the University of Missouri. “Growing up, my mom always told me that I should pursue…

May 11, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Rachel Sacharin

Story by Logan Jackson Rachel Sacharin’s academic journey at the University of Missouri has included some pivots, but there has been one constant throughout her adventure – the Honors College. Sacharin, who is from Southaven, Mississippi, was first connected with the College after being named a Cherng Scholar. Her involvement in Honors didn’t slow at all during her time at MU. One of two Honors College Outstanding Senior awardees, Rachel Sacharin, a human development and family science major, said the Honors College helped her grow as a person. Sacharin will speak during the College’s commencement ceremony on Friday. Photo courtesy of…

May 10, 2023

Senior Spotlight: Sara Stiens

Named an outstanding senior by the Honors College, Sara Stiens, a biochemistry major, has been incredibly involved in Honors throughout her time as a Tiger. One of two outstanding seniors, Stiens will speak during the Honors commencement ceremony. Photo courtesy of Sara Stiens. Story by Logan Jackson Students pursuing the Honors certificate through the University of Missouri Honors College are part of an innovative and dynamic curriculum that encourages in-depth study in traditional fields of learning as well as additional intellectual inquiry. For Sara Stiens, the Honors College also gave her a sense of belonging.   “I couldn’t imagine my…