Missouri 100 meets
Published Nov. 13, 2007
The UM system president convened his new advisory board for the first time on Friday. Members of the group talked about their goals and hopes for the university system.
UM system interim President Gordon Lamb held the inaugural meeting of The Missouri 100 at his residence on the MU campus.
"In this group, we want to look at the big picture," Lamb said during the reception. "We can accomplish a lot by pulling together."
Lamb said members of The Missouri 100 are influential people who could help spread the university's message.
Members of the group are required to donate or raise at least $1,000 to fund the group's activities, according to a UM system news release.
"You begin by looking at people who are already supporting the university," Lamb said. "We're looking for those very top leaders."
The membership list includes a number of CEOs and corporate presidents. It also includes members of the UM system Board of Curators, the university's governing board, who serve on the group as ex-officio members. Members of The Missouri 100 must be invited by the UM system president to participate.
"It was felt these people could be a sounding board for the president," Board of Curators Chairman Don Walsworth said. "I think this is about the first time we've had that."
UM system spokesman Scott Charton said this type of group is new concept for the system.
"The president has not had something like this," Charton said.
The round of meetings began with a dinner reception at the president's residence, which was attended by members of The Missouri 100, the UM System Board of Curators and Senators Kit Bond, R-Mo., and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., who are members of the board.
"I'm excited about this group and their enthusiasm and commitment," Curator Marion Cairns said.
She also said she thought the board and The Missouri 100 would be working together in the future.
Curator Judith Haggard said the organization's goal is to spread the system's message.
"We're more like ambassadors for the university," she said. "It was something that was offered to certain people because they were leaders."
Members of The Missouri 100 were invited to a breakfast meeting on Saturday. Professors, deans and administrators representing all of the campuses within the UM system collaborated on three presentations, including initiatives to increase the number of health professionals; spur entrepreneurship and economic development; and help with the retaining of faculty.
Missouri 100 Honorary Co-Chairman Gary Forsee said he believes this group can do a lot of good for the UM system.
"There is so much opportunity we have to establish a common voice around the state, and about the great things that this university system has already done and what we can do in the future," Forsee said.
Lamb also said this group would be able to have an impact on the future of the UM system.
"We can advise the president as your university plays a vital role in shaping Missouri's future, and your support is critical if we're going to accomplish the initiatives we're going to be discussing this morning," Lamb said.
Lamb spoke about the need to increase the value of what he referred to as human capital, as well as encouraging members of The Missouri 100 to take what they learned at the meeting and share it with their friends.