Founder’s Day celebrates 115 years of Missouri Method
COLUMBIA, Mo. (Sept. 20, 2023) — 115 years after the Missouri School of Journalism’s creation in 1908, the School once again held its annual Founder’s Day on Sept. 14, encouraging alumni and friends to donate $19.08 in honor of the founding year.
First held in 2019, Founder’s Day officially occurs on Sept. 14, but gifts in honor of the School’s founding are received throughout the month of September. The gifts go toward the Missouri Method Endowment, which is a flexible-use fund that enriches the student experience by fueling new training opportunities within the School’s professional newsrooms and agencies.
“We’ve engaged with alumni from the class of 1944 all the way up to May 2023 graduates, and it’s humbling to see this support from people who care deeply about the future of journalism,” said David Kurpius, dean of the School. “We continue to see this campaign grow more successful in support of the uniquely hands-on student experience we call the Missouri Method.”
Since its launch, Founder’s Day has played an important role in several new programs and initiatives. The One Newsroom, which brings students and leadership from each of the School’s professional news outlets together in a collaborative space, is housed in Lee Hills Hall, which was renovated for this purpose with the help of Founder’s Day funds. 2020’s celebration also saw the launch of the Missouri Method Endowment.
Each year, the campaign also features artwork from a student. This year’s art, distributed to alumni on postcards, was created by senior Campbell Biemiller and depicts the stone lions and archway that mark the entrance to the School.
And new this year, Founder’s Day-themed apparel and other officially licensed items are available for purchase from the School’s merchandise store, which launched earlier this summer. Funds raised by the store go to the School’s Scholarship Fund.
To join in the celebration of the School’s historic legacy and support the next generation of excellence in journalism and strategic communication, make a contribution of $19.08 via Mizzou Give Direct.
Updated: September 20, 2023