The Mizzou Alumni Association will begin the Mizzou 18 award program, which will be given to the top 18 graduate students based on their academic performance and community involvement.
Kyle Mauzey, Coordinator of Alumni and Student Programs, said the program stemmed from Mizzou 39, the prestigious award given annually to the top 39 graduating seniors.
“We’ve been trying to think of a program that we could dedicate to the University of Missouri graduate and professional students that are in their last year of their degree eligibility,” Mauzey said. “It will be 18 recipients who will also choose a faculty or staff mentor to recognize as well.”
Mauzey said the award will allow students to boost their resumes and help them for future employment opportunities.
“Mizzou 18 I think is very special because a university like Mizzou couldn’t operate on the level that it does, let alone function on a day-today basis without our graduate and professional students,” Associated Students of the University of Missouri President Christopher Dade said.
Dade believes the program will be very competitive and important for students to be honored for their accomplishments. He said the award will showcase students to the professional world and represent their contribution to the community.