Hundreds were present for an annual celebration on Tuesday morning in the Student Center to celebrate the MU’s birthday.
This bash had a special feel from the start with the recent arrival of Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin and the 175th birthday of the university. But perhaps the anniversary cake that sat at center stage throughout the ceremony outshined all of those other storylines.
At the culmination of the official ceremony, Loftin and Truman the Tiger joined former Voluntary Action Center Director Cindy Mustard in blowing out the candles on the cake that was a miniature representation of Jesse Hall and the columns.
“The cake was pretty intricate,” said Farouk Aregbe, Missouri Student Association advisor. “Cutting it, I had to get around windows, and the foundation was firm.”
The cake was served to special guests and students who are members of the Mizzou ‘39 group while all others in attendance were given cupcakes and gold shirts. Campus Dining Services also provided cake during lunch hours at all residential dining locations.
At least one student was left impressed with the quality of the main cake’s design and taste.
“There was a balance between tradition and excellence,” senior John Mitchell said. “The dome was huge. I thought it was very precise.”
Senior Sapna Khatri said she was excited that her piece of cake was part of the replica Jesse Hall auditorium.
Senior Alex Finck said he appreciated the final moments of the ceremony, right when the candles were blown out.
“I liked the confetti touch,” he said. “Just perfect.”
By the end of the reception, Aregbe stood by where the cake had been with a smile on his face, pleased with the compliments he said it had received.
“We didn’t have enough,” he said. “There was an overflowing response.”