By Maggie Pelter

Mizzou’s annual Homecoming celebration, taking place from October 19-21, will see the parade, campus decorations, and community service events filling the week capped off by the football game between the Tigers and Auburn. At the heart of these traditions lies the student-led Homecoming Steering Committee, responsible for coordinating every detail of the festivities. For several members of this committee, the work goes beyond just planning, it is also a hands-on extension of their studies in strategic communication at the School of Journalism.

Megan Fox, a senior from Springfield, Missouri, is one of the Tri-Directors for this year’s Homecoming. With a background in strategic communication, Megan is bringing her passion for storytelling and branding into this leadership role.

“Homecoming has always been one of my favorite traditions at Mizzou, and I wanted to be a part of creating that experience for others,” said Fox. “Many of my role models at Mizzou had served on the steering committee, and their passion inspired me.”

Fox’s responsibilities include overseeing three sub-committees: Blood Drive, Talent, and Traditions. This role demands strong organization skills, leading multiple meetings, creating agendas and delegating tasks to committee members.

The steering committee members’ duties are a perfect match for students in the School of Journalism. From managing large-scale events to coordinating social media efforts, these roles mirror real-world experiences they will face in their future careers. Fox noted that being on the committee has helped strengthen her communication strategies and adaptability – skills she plans to use in future roles in advertising and brand management.

Anna Stoll, a senior from Kansas City, is a member of the Community Service Committee, a role that aligns with her desire to make a difference through impactful communication. Stoll knew she wanted to attend Mizzou for its well known journalism school, and after exploring strategic communications, she found her passion. “I was always interested in writing and storytelling, but I love how strategic communication allows me to combine creativity with making an impact,” she said.

Stoll’s role on the Community Service Committee allows her to contribute directly to events like the Tiger Food Fight canned food drive and the Day of Service, where volunteers across campus give back to the local community. “I enjoy being part of something that not only celebrates Mizzou’s traditions but is also making a positive impact,” she shared. Stoll said her journalism background has helped her ability to generate new ideas, engage her audience, and promote events effectively.

Both Fox and Stoll emphasize the importance of communication when organizing an event as large and multi-faceted as Homecoming. Clear, consistent communication is key to ensuring that everyone from committee members to volunteers and participants is informed. “I’d definitely recommend it to other journalism students,” said Stoll about volunteering for Homecoming committees. It’s an incredible way to build your resume, gain real-world experience, and connect with people across campus.”

Fox added that, “It’s one of the most hands-on leadership roles you can take at Mizzou, and the skills you gain will carry over into whatever career path you choose.”

As they look forward to seeing the culmination of their hard work during Homecoming weekend, both students are excited about the opportunity to leave their mark on the Mizzou community.

Updated: September 25, 2024