March 10, 2025
For more than 23 years, Tammie Market has been a dedicated member of the University of Missouri staff, always finding ways to give back to the Mizzou community, most recently as a participant in Mizzou Giving Day. But her commitment took on an even deeper meaning when her son — now a senior at Mizzou — received services from the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment.
“I have always given to programs I believe in,” Market said. “But what really inspired my giving to Mizzou was our experience at the Thompson Center. We had such an impactful experience there that I was motivated to continue supporting the center and its services.”
This year, Market will join thousands of Tigers in celebrating the eighth annual Mizzou Giving Day, a 24-hour fundraising event that kicks off at noon on Wednesday, March 12, and runs through noon on Thursday, March 13. Designed to unite the university community in generosity, the campaign features donation challenges, matching opportunities and friendly competitions to maximize impact. Last year, 2,175 gifts poured in, raising $12,710,667 in support of Mizzou.
With excitement building for this year’s event, Tigers from across the globe are ready to come together once again — proving that every gift, no matter the size, can help shape the future.
In addition to supporting the Thompson Center, Market keeps an eye out for other ways to invest in programs and students at Mizzou.
After a heartfelt conversation with a student earlier this year, she committed to backing a study abroad program at the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business where she is an executive assistant to the assistant dean of undergraduate programs. The discussion underscored the transformative power of hands-on learning experiences such as study abroad to change the trajectory of a student’s life and future career.
“This student shifted his educational focus and is now considering working internationally,” she said. “When I see that kind of impact, I want to support the program.”
Over the years, Market has worked in various offices across campus, witnessing firsthand how gifts invigorate programs and create opportunities. She finds it rewarding to know that every contribution plays a vital role in assisting education. Her generosity has touched numerous initiatives, from arts programs and Marching Mizzou to the Tiger Pantry last year. Market has discovered that the act of giving can have as much effect on the giver as it can on the recipient.
“Giving back feeds something in my soul,” she said. “I think if people give — and give to something they believe in — they will feel good. I am helping where I can. Giving is a beautiful exchange, and kindness costs so little. It doesn’t take much to give up a couple drinks at a coffee shop to make sure a student can get a meal from Tiger Pantry.”
