As I look back on my time at Mizzou, there are few things about this school that fill me with more pride than the tradition of Homecoming. As I write this letter the campus is being blanketed from head to toe in black and gold in preparation for our returning alumni and current students, faculty, and staff who will come together this weekend to celebrate all that is and ever has been what we call Mizzou. The fact that this will be our 100th Homecoming celebration only ads to the excitement and the feeling of awe which inevitably comes with such an established and important tradition.

During this celebration, we must not lose sight of the values which we hold dear at this university. Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence: These are the things that we strive for in all that we do, and our observance of Homecoming should be no exception. This is a time for us to not only enjoy the present, but to connect with our past. As you enjoy the weekend’s many festivities, be sure to interact as much as possible with our wonderful alumni family. Don’t forget, that no matter how long ago they graduated, you have more in common than you might assume. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from them, and to let them learn from you.

I’ll conclude with a few more words of advice: take in as much as possible. Go to the spirit rally. Check out the house decs in Greektown. Watch the parade. Tailgate, and most importantly: cheer on your Missouri Tigers at the game. You’ve only got so many chances to participate as a student, so don’t waste them. These years will be gone before you know it, and the last thing you want is to be coming home as an alum and feeling like you didn’t quite get the full experience. Be safe, be smart, and be spirited. We are Tigers. We are proud. We are One Mizzou.

— Eric Woods, MSA President
emw6g4@mail.missouri.edu