On Campus — December 1, 2011
Loggia, Least Heat-Moon recipients of winter honorary MU degrees
MU is giving honorary degrees to actor Robert Loggia and author William Trogdon at the commencement ceremonies this month.
A 1951 graduate of the School of Journalism, Loggia has since appeared in more than 100 movies throughout his career, being named "one of the most respected and admired actors of our generation. He has been nominated for numerous Emmy Awards and an Academy Award for his for in "Jagged Edge." He has also appeared in "Independence Day," "Scarface," "Gladiator," "The Sopranos" and "Malcolm in the Middle."
"Robert Loggia's career as a major supporting actor in American film and television is second to none," Department of Theatre chairman Clyde Ruffin said in a news release. "He is truly one of the most distinguished University of Missouri alumni."
Known as William Least Heat-Moon in the literary world, Trogdon hold four separate degrees from MU, three of which are in English. He penned “Blue Highways” in 1982, a book that chronicles his cross-country trip in his van. The book sat atop the New York Times best-seller list for 34 weeks.
Best recognized for his travel novels, Trogdon also delves a bit into historical writing. He has written books about Christopher Columbus’ journeys and the like.
“William Trogdon has deep ties to the University of Missouri,” English professor Pat Okker said in a news release. “His attention to the oft-neglected parts of American culture captured the nation’s readers.”
Loggia and Trogdon are speaking at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 17 at the Honors Commencement Ceremony in Jesse Auditorium.
'Breakathon' to benefit Children's Hospital
MU Health Care and Hockman's ATA Martial Arts are collaborating for a fundraiser for the MU Children's Hospital.
More than 100 students who raised a minimum of $10 will be breaking 1,000 boards at the four locations. Hockman's ATA Martial Arts has committed to raising funds for the hospital over the next five years, a news release stated.
The "Breakathon" begins at 6 p.m. Friday at all three Hockman's locations in Columbia and the Mexico location.