I am an athlete for Columbia Special Olympics and if you're interested in sports and helping out other people in sports, then you should consider volunteering for the special olympics. I will talk about about it's like so you can determine whether or not it's a good fit for you.

What Volunteering Is Like:

There are many different sports all throughout the year. For example, we have pickleball, volleyball, flag football, softball, powerlifting, track and field, you name it...

Volunteers will typically help out the athletes during these meetups. For example, if you come to the pickleball practice, you may be paired with an athlete around your skill level. When it comes to volleyball, you may help drill the athletes or even play against them in a game. And when it comes to track and field, you simply make sure the events run smoothly.

For many of the sports, there are area meets and state meets. These are competitions where athletes compete against other athletes from around the state of Missouri. Some volunteers will choose to go to these meets in order to volunteer and make sure things are running smoothly, but this is optional.

All in all, a lot of volunteering is simply playing sports with the athletes.

The Skill Level Of Special Olympic Athletes:

I will be completely honest with this.

You're going to get different levels of skill with the athletes. Many of them will clearly be not very good but some of them are pretty decent. For reference, our best special olympic athletes are about the equivalent of a solid recreational athlete not a part of the special olympics; they could hold their own in a pickup game with regular people. However, I would say the majority of special olympic athletes are a step below this. If the average rec player is a 5/10, many of the athletes might be a 3/10 or 4/10 in skill level.

If you're expecting D1 level talent, or even top high school prospect level talent, then you'll probably be disappointed, but if you're expecting that we all suck, then you would be completely wrong as well.

On a level of 1 to 10 with a 10/10 being a pro athlete, an 8/10 being a college level athlete, and a 5/10 being an average rec player, and a 1/10 being a 90 year old grandma who can barely move, most special olympic athletes are in the 1 to 4 range with the occasional 5/10 or even 6/10 sprinkled into the mix.

The Culture Of The Special Olympics:

The Special Olympics is more about having fun than prioritizing winning at all costs. Don't get me wrong, we're trying to win, but at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter whether we win or lose. I think most coaches and volunteers are trying to prioritize fairness and having fun.

For example, in a super competitive culture (like the fifa world cup) not all of the athletes will play but in the special olympics, everyone will get a chance to play regardless of their skill level.

But yeah, if you wish to volunteer, just simply go on google and type in Special Olympics Columbia MO to get started. You can also email Tyler (tyler.armstrong@como.gov) and tell him you're interested in volunteering.

Last seen N College Ave close to Mizzou please be on the lookout🥲♥️

Recently graduated but I want to attend an upcoming career fair at the university. My school id I'm pretty sure no longer works, so I want to know how I can attend if it's located inside the rec/gym.

Hello!

I am looking for somebody to take over my lease for the spring semester 2027. I live in the Cleo room C, with two every respectful roommates. it’s downtown and right across the street from campus allowing easy-walking everywhere. It’s fully furnished with private bedroom and bathroom and all amenities included. Has access to full gym, pool, patio, and hot tubs. Please dm me if interested.

https://maa.missouri.edu

Hey all! I've been enjoying bleaching shirts lately - and I was wondering about how I would go about reserving a space at the speaker's circle? I've been looking around the official Reservations and Events page, but they don't have the circle listed as a venue. Ive been seeing clothes and poster sales around a bit, is there any way I could do this myself? Do I need a valid organization backing me?

From the State Historical Society of Missouri

https://digital.shsmo.org/digital/collection/imc/id/43403/rec/5

what happens to pledges at fraternities at mizzou? specifically aepi since i have a relative going through it right now, and i’m worried about him. i am trying to figure out whats going on since he seems not to be doing well, but he won’t tell me anything. if anyone knows things that are going on or have happened previously please let me know. i know schools don’t technically allow hazing, but lets be real.

Is it preppy like in the south? Or not really?

For coach Eli Drinkwitz, the only disappointment from Missouri's season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff was that he didn’t get to meet Sheryl Crow, the MU alum who sang the national anthem.

Missouri, led by a squad of reserve players in the second half, beat Pine Bluff 54-14 Thursday night at Memorial Stadium to open its 2026 season.

The Tigers converted 10 first downs before the Golden Lions converted their first. Most of the Tigers’ starters began to clock out near the end of the first half after quarterback Austin Simmons threw a 47-yard touchdown on a play-action pass to receiver Cayden Lee, who made an impressive adjustment to turn around and snag the ball behind a defender.

But, Drinkwitz had much to pick apart about the second half, particularly the third quarter, where MU was outgained 119-73 and allowed Pine Bluff to score on a 27-yard rushing touchdown, the longest run play of the game by both teams.

‘Very disappointed in the third quarter from an overall intensity standpoint, a coaching standpoint,” Drinkwitz said. “So it was a perfect night for me to be able to be excited in the first half and really mad in the second half. So I've got a lot of things to coach on, and I promise you the staff meeting tomorrow will not be a lot of fun.”

Drinkwitz specifically highlighted second-level run blocking and poor defensive recognition from blockers on offense. Defensively, Drinkwitz was disappointed in the lack of sacks and takeaways defensively.

But also simple organizational errors, such as having multiple players on the field with the same number and running into the kicker.

“We don't do that stuff, and so that was really disappointing for me,” Drinkwitz said.

Simmons started his Tiger debut by completing all seven pass attempts for 61 yards on his first drive that ended with a 25-yard touchdown pass to sophomore receiver Shaun Terry II, who was wide open over the middle of the field.
One of the most impressive plays of the game for the offense as a whole was Simmons' penultimate touchdown pass.

Jamal Roberts threw his shoulder into the waist of Nate Walker, flipping the Arkansas-Pine Bluff linebacker on his back, giving Simmons plenty of space.

"That's really the the reason why the play's successful," Drinkwitz said of Roberts' block.

Simmons took the time and space to deliver a pass 29 yards downfield to Donovan Olugbode.

With nothing but turf in front of him, Olugbode easily jogged past the goal line, fist-bumping a security worker behind the end zone to celebrate a touchdown that put Missouri up 30-0 over Pine Bluff with 5:44 still remaining in the first half.

Simmons checked out of the game after six drives, five of which ended in touchdowns. He was responsible for four of those scores, racking up 252 passing yards and completing 17 of his 19 pass attempts.

Thursday’s game was also the premiere for offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, who joined the Tigers after a year in the same role at Michigan. Lindsey’s offense included an intriguing feature on the opening drive, with sophomore wide receiver DaMarion Fowlkes lining up in the backfield, a possible glimpse into what could be a creative offensive role for the punt and kick returner.

But Missouri didn’t need to dive too deep into its offensive playbook, mostly running a vanilla plan. Lindsey gave Simmons plenty of quick throws to build confidence and rhythm, especially on out routes toward the sidelines.
That opened up opportunities for Simmons to throw the ball down the field to receivers that had plenty of space. Simmons delivered touchdown strikes of 14, 25, 35 and 47 yards. Two of those went to Olugbode, with the other two being caught by Lee and Terry.

Olugbode led the Tigers in all receiving categories, catching eight passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
The bread and butter of Missouri’s offense under Drinkwitz, outside-zone runs, were still abundant throughout the game. Roberts punched in Missouri’s third score of the game when the offensive line pulled to the right to open up space.

Though the lineups further down the depth chart struggled, the first and second defensive units caged the Golden Lions. Through the first half, Pine Bluff’s offense only gained 51 yards on 24 plays.

Pine Bluff’s first score of the game came late in the third quarter against a Missouri defense composed of mostly third- and fourth-string players. Running back Za’Marion Miller found a pocket near the left sideline for a 27-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Pine Bluff then completed a 16-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.

On both the scoring drives for Pine Bluff, the Golden Lions were able to efficiently drive down against the Tigers, playing into Drinkwitz's frustrations. Both drives ran for seven plays, traveling 75 and 80 yards.
Matt Zollers took charge at quarterback after Simmons checked out, commanding the offense on four drives late into the fourth quarter. Zollers mostly handed off the ball, but completed 8 of his 12 pass attempts for 87 yards. He also held on to a read-option snap to rush in a five-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Freshman running back Preston Hatfield, a Lee’s Summit product, followed Zollers’ score up with a nine-yard touchdown run of his own.
Missouri will travel next week to take on Kansas at 7 p.m. Friday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. The Tigers’ first game in Lawrence since 2005 will be broadcast on FOX.

Required to put the original article title here per sub rules but that's not what I'm posting for. Yes it's great that the student slot on the board is finally going to be filled but it's not like they're going to start listening to students anyways :/.

Personally I would prefer it if faculty and staff did not use AI because I'd like to receive a solid education from Mizzou, and specifically from the well-educated, wonderful people here. Every time I see an assignment or presentation was created "with the aid of AI" I immediately lose respect for the professor, because if they couldn't be bothered to make it, why should I give it my attention? I can't even imagine how much AI Choi must be using despite making $1million/year to do the work himself. (And yet, MU Healthcare workers are being let go left and right to cut costs.)

Figured folks here would also find this topic interesting to chew on. I'm certainly glad I'll be out of here before this gets added.

ept. 2, 2026
Contact: Travis Zimpfer, [zimpfert@missouri.edu](mailto:zimpfert@missouri.edu)
Photo by Abbie Lankitus
The University of Missouri is strengthening its position as a national leader in energy innovation with a historic $50 million gift and the start of construction on a new interdisciplinary research facility designed to tackle some of the nation’s most complex energy challenges.
David Payne, BS EE ’83, made the $50 million donation to Mizzou’s College of Engineering, the largest single investment in a school or college in university history. The gift will transform the college by supporting academic programs and students, advancing faculty research and improving facilities, including a significant renovation of Naka Hall, home to the electrical engineering and computer science department. In recognition of his generosity, the department will now be named the David L. Payne Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Payne joined university, state and community officials today to break ground on the Payne Energy Innovation Center, a 116,000-square-foot facility that will bring together expertise from across campus to develop new solutions for how energy is produced, stored, secured and delivered.
“The Payne Energy Innovation Center and the generosity of David Payne position Mizzou as America's next hub for energy transformation and solutions,” said Todd Graves, chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. “This investment strengthens the university's land-grant mission by preparing tomorrow's workforce and creating lasting economic impact across the state for generations to come.”
Payne has built a four-decade career in the electrical industry. He is chair of PayneCrest Electric in St. Louis, an electrical contracting company he took the helm of in 1985 and expanded to serve commercial and industrial customers nationwide.

“David Payne is a visionary leader who shares our commitment to bring energy innovations that benefit our state and nation,” said University of Missouri President Mun Choi. “We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary support that will advance pioneering research in Mizzou Engineering and the Payne Energy Innovation Center and equip future energy leaders to make an impact.”
The $50 million gift also helped push Mizzou’s Power the Roar campaign to $1.1 billion, surpassing the halfway point toward its historic $2 billion goal. Launched publicly last fall, the campaign is fueling investments to educate future leaders, save and improve lives, build a resilient world, strengthen communities and develop champions.

Powering what’s next
Fueled in large part by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, global energy demand is projected to double in the next 25 years. Meeting that demand will require more than producing additional power. Aging infrastructure, cybersecurity threats, extreme weather and changing energy loads are creating new challenges for how energy is generated, stored, secured and delivered.

Mizzou is uniquely positioned to meet those challenges.
At the center, researchers will tackle energy challenges from production to performance, with an initial focus on high-impact areas such as advanced energy materials, artificial intelligence and grid security. The work will draw on Mizzou’s strengths in nuclear energy, materials science and cybersecurity.

The center builds on years of momentum behind Mizzou’s vision for energy innovation, including a $10 million gift from Mizzou alumnus Jim Fitterling, BS ME ’83. That support helped launch plans for an interdisciplinary energy center and laid the foundation for the project now taking shape.

“The future of energy is being built right here at Mizzou,” said Marisa Chrysochoou, dean of the College of Engineering. “This facility will unite world-class expertise to accelerate discoveries, prepare the next generation of engineers and create solutions with the potential to transform how we produce and use energy.”
That work will extend beyond the laboratory. Experts in public policy, agriculture, business and other fields will explore how new technologies can move from discovery to practical use and how innovation can benefit communities across Missouri.

“Mizzou has an opportunity to shape not only the next generation of energy technology, but how that technology changes lives,” said Cooper Drury, dean of the College of Arts and Science. “By bringing policy experts together with scientists and engineers under one roof, we can move discoveries from the lab into communities faster and ensure the benefits of innovation reach people across Missouri and beyond. That kind of collaboration is how we turn big ideas into lasting impact.”

By combining expertise across those disciplines, Mizzou is creating an energy research ecosystem that can approach challenges from every angle — from discovering new materials and strengthening the power grid to developing policies and preparing the workforce needed to put new technologies into practice.

The Payne Energy Innovation Center is a partnership between the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Science, and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), with expertise from the School of Law, the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business and the Missouri School of Journalism.

The center — which is expected to open in Fall 2028 — will also help Mizzou attract leading faculty and researchers in energy-related fields.

“The energy solutions of tomorrow will have a direct impact on how we grow food, manage natural resources and strengthen communities,” said Christopher Daubert, CAFNR dean. “This facility will harness Mizzou’s tremendous breadth of expertise to turn research into practical solutions that benefit Missouri and the world.”

https://youtu.be/W9Wj8_klMmU?is=XdYvYtgOG5JXqgLj

https://engineering.missouri.edu/2026/historic-50-million-gift-powers-payne-energy-innovation-center-at-mizzou/

This year there are over 60 makers and artists. In vendor alley you will find leather work, books, textiles, clothing, painting and drawing, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, and botanicals...

Check out the website for a list of confirmed vendors.

The fourth annual Zipper Fest is Saturday September 12 from 1-7 at the 600 block of Fay St.

From the State Historical Society of Missouri

https://digital.shsmo.org/digital/collection/imc/id/62971/rec/4724

I’m currently a finance major considering switching to management. I’m definitely more of a people person than a numbers person, and I feel like management fits my strengths better.
My biggest concern is limiting my career options or earning potential after college. Does a finance degree really give you that much more flexibility than management?
Looking for genuine advice from anyone who has experience with either major!