Deatons welcome student leaders

More than 80 student leaders gathered for mingling Thursday night.

By Amy Brachmann

Published Feb. 8, 2008

Student VIP’s gathered Thursday evening in the Residence on Francis Quadrangle at a reception sponsored by a campus leader.

The reception for student leaders, now an annual event in its third year, was organized by Chancellor Brady Deaton, Anne Deaton and Cathy Scroggs, vice chancellor for student affairs, to honor the leaders of varied and comprehensive campus organizations.

“The reception allows the Deatons to express their appreciation for student leaders,” Scroggs said. “It gives the students a chance to be in the house and us a chance to meet and talk with them.”

About 80 student leaders attended, representing organizations including the Mizzou Tour Team, the Panhellenic Association, the Interfraternity Council and the Missouri Students Association.

At the door, the Deatons greeted students, who then filed through the main floor of the residence, signed the guest book and helped themselves to beverages.

Brady Deaton broke up the mingling by ringing a bell and welcoming them to the event.

“We want to express our deep appreciation for all you contribute to the campus,” he said. “You present the exciting and embracing voice of the university.”

Anne Deaton also welcomed the students.

“Your knowledge and education start counting now, and you will ride the crest of what you’re doing through your careers,” she said.

She also spoke of the significance of the residence, which was built in 1867 and is the oldest building on campus. Previous guests of the residence include Harry Truman, Mark Twain, Eleanor Roosevelt and Brad Pitt, among others.

“Many luminaries have been here, and we want you to know that you’re all luminaries to us,” Anne Deaton said. “And, undoubtedly, many of you will become such luminaries in your futures.”

Following the welcome, the group was invited to socialize and eat while exploring the rooms on display.

MSA President Jim Kelley and Vice President Chelsea Johnson attended. They said they appreciated the reception as a time for leaders to interact, especially since there are few chances like this for all of them to get together.

“It’s a neat opportunity to sit and talk with other student leaders,” Kelley said. “You look around the room, and there are a lot of smart people here. It’s crazy not to take advantage of that opportunity.”

Kelley and Johnson said they wanted to show their support for other organizations on campus and take steps toward their MSA-related goals.

“It’s a great chance to meet them and introduce ourselves, to let them know they can come to us for help and that our door is always open,” Kelley said.

Teresa Jackson, co-chairwoman for the Association for Black Graduate and Professional Students, said she appreciated the opportunity to go into the residence. Jackson said she works with community relations and had never been to the home of the Deatons.

Jackson said she appreciated the opportunity to meet with other student leaders.

“As a grad student, I’m not always able to get out on campus,” she said.

Although the Deatons have known and worked with many of these students in the past, they wanted to open their home and welcome as many students as possible, Anne Deaton said.

“We admire them so much, the student leaders and tour guides,” Brady Deaton said. “It’s wonderful for us to interact and get ideas from them. We end up learning from them. It’s inspiring.”