Published on March 6, 2025

Last Friday, former director Ted Tarkow, current co-director Doug Valentine and MU advancement officer Melia Douglass traveled to Washington, D.C. for a mini MSA reunion in anticipation of the 40th anniversary of the Academy this summer. 1995 scholar Jenelle Beavers hosted the event. Boomba-Hey, thank you, Jenelle!

23 alumni and guests attended the event, with scholar years ranging from the very first Academy in 1985 to 2015. Memories, anecdotes, and long-lasting impacts of the Academy were shared.

“We use the phrase ‘Week 4’ to refer to everything that comes after the three magical weeks scholars spend together in the summer of their junior year of high school,” said Doug Valentine, ‘I was pleased to see so many former scholars, spanning 30 years of MSA, along with former faculty and staff, living such fulfilling Week 4s. When I wrapped up my first MSA in 2012, I knew the experience would stick with me forever. This mini reunion, which I hope is the first of many, reminded me how impactful and long-lasting the Academy has been for the thousands of scholars and hundreds of staff who have called places like Mark Twain Residence Hall, Geology Auditorium, and the many other MU buildings that define our shared experience ‘home’ since 1985.”

The next reunion will be our 40 Years of Magic event during the 41st Academy in June!