Events

Alumni Day

Saturday, June 22, 2024

  • 2:00-3:00 p.m. – Alumni check in at Middlebush Auditorium. MSA Swag Store will be open!
  • 3:00 p.m. – Big Group in Middlebush Auditorium
  • 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Afternoon Programming
    • Parker Owens: Block Creativity, 132 Middlebush
    • Evie Rodenbaugh: Giftedness and the Rural Scholar, 12 Middlebush
    • Steve Keller: Climate Lessons from COVID, Middlebush Auditorium
  • 4:45-6:45 Dinner on own
  • 6:45 Mid-Missouri High Steppers Performance (Lowry Mall)
  • 7:15 p.m. Alumni Dance (Lowry Mall) 

Family Day

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Family Day is Sunday, June 23. Scholars may be checked out as early as 8:00 AM. Simply come to the Mark Twain Lobby and the RAs will help ensure your scholars are ready to go! Scholars must be signed out before leaving.

If you plan to have your scholar leave with anyone other than a parent or legal guardian, you must email mucasmsareslife@missouri.edu to give permission. Many scholars will spend the day with a family friend or roommate’s family if their parents aren’t available.    

We will have some optional afternoon programming on Sunday as well:

  • 1:30 – Meet the Faculty!  Visit teachers in their classrooms
  • 2:30 – Informational Session on “From MSA to the MU Honors College & How the Heck to Pay For It” – Middlebush Auditorium
  • 3:30 – Trivia Contest – Scholars and Families compete in Geology Auditorium  

All scholars must be returned to Mark Twain to sign themselves in no later than 5:00 PM.  

Teacher Appreciation Day

Monday, June 24, 2024

Every year scholars are asked to nominate a teacher who made a difference in their lives. Teachers are then invited to visit the Academy, attend afternoon sessions, have dinner with their student, and participate in evening programs. We are looking forward to recognizing all the fabulous teachers out there!

Nominated Teachers: Please fill out the RSVP survey and register your car for parking on campus. These links can be found in your e-mail invitation. Check in at Reynolds Alumni Center when you arrive. Here is a sample of your schedule for the afternoon/evening.

  • 3:30 p.m. – Arrive on campus and check in
  • 4:00 p.m. – Attend one of several afternoon programs
  • 5:30 p.m. – Attend dinner at Reynolds Alumni Center
  • 6:45 p.m. – Group photo on the South steps of Jesse Hall of all the nominated teachers and their students!
  • 7:15 p.m. – Ceremony begins, Jesse Hall
  • 7:30 p.m. – Evening lecture with Temple Grandin
  • 8:30 p.m. – Join us for a dessert reception

All events will be over by 9:30 p.m.

Closing Day

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Scholars can be checked out by their guardians any time between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM on Saturday, June 29th, parents and scholars are responsible for the move-out process. Breakfast will be the last meal served at the Academy for Scholars.    

The Closing Ceremony for MSA 2024 will be held at 10:00 AM in Jesse Auditorium. All scholars should check out with their RA, turn in their room key, pick up any medications with the med staff, and have their belongings moved out of Mark Twain before the Closing Ceremony Begins. Unlike Opening Day, move out is the responsibility of scholars and their families. It is expected that all scholars will attend the Closing Ceremony.

Scholars and Families will NOT be allowed back in the Mark Twain Residence Hall after the Closing Ceremony ends.  

If your scholar will be checked out by someone other than a parent or guardian, you must email mucasmsareslife@missouri.edu to grant permission. Please include the name of the individual who will be checking out the scholar, along with a phone number where they can be reached if necessary.  

Completed Events

MSA 2024 Information Session

Thursday May 2, 7-9pm

Columbia     Keller Auditorium, Geology Building, 400 S. 6th Street, Columbia, MO 65211   

Kansas City      North Kansas City High School, 620 East 23rd Ave., Kansas City, MO 64116 (parking will be the student parking lot across the street from the main entrance to the school)

Springfield       Strafford High School, 211 W. McCabe St., Strafford, MO 65757 (parking located on south side of the street)

St. Louis         Clayton High School, 1 Mark Twain Circle, St. Louis, MO 63105

Thursday, May 9, 7pm

Join MSA administrators for an informational session covering the structure of the Academy and important deadlines related to the 2024 Missouri Scholars Academy, this will include a question-and-answer portion for the parents and scholars. This presentation will be conducted over Zoom and recorded for those who cannot attend.

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/93334492412?pwd=VXNSU3E2Uks5VEs3Y1FMeXgwVDNLUT09

Meeting ID: 933 3449 2412, Passcode: 512407

If you missed the zoom information session, recording link is below:

https://umsystem.zoom.us/rec/share/nfSc8P7BK-DrR9CJcAi8dCABe4AwS-a1xfu0-SruXHeef0ejTMnhg9-vlUkKA_Hx.tNaFKJdN6SihS4Fc

2024 MSA Opening Ceremony

June 9, 2024-1:30pm

The University of Missouri proudly welcomes students, parents, faculty, staff members, MU administrators, and special guests to the opening convocation of the 40th annual Missouri Scholars Academy. The Academy is a cornerstone in the state’s efforts to build better learning opportunities for gifted students.

Zoom link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/meeting/97278862122

Meeting ID: 972 7886 2122

If you have any questions, please email Doug Valentine at drvb8d@umsystem.edu.

We hope to see you there!