Published on Show Me Mizzou Sept. 17, 2025
Every great university reaches a turning point when past, present and future meet. For Mizzou, Power the Roar is that moment: a $2 billion effort that channels alumni’s, donors’ and friends’ generosity into classrooms, labs and communities and invites donors to shape priorities. “From its inception, Mizzou has been an institution built on generosity, and it’s inspiring to see donors, alumni and volunteers sustain that legacy through Power the Roar,” says Chris Smith, Mizzou’s vice chancellor for Advancement.
Power the Roar’s quiet phase launched July 1, 2022. As of press date, more than 61,000 donors across 50 states and 21 countries have given nearly $760 million — resulting in Mizzou’s best fundraising year and fueling research, scholarships and partnerships.
Across 186 years, Mizzou has carried a land-grant promise not only statewide, but worldwide. Now, with Power the Roar, the university asks its community to imagine the next century and help build it.
In the stories that follow, glimpse that horizon. They outline a university in motion, guided by ambition, grounded in service, sustained by belief its finest chapters are ahead.
Priorities for progress
Educate Future Leaders
Mizzou is where leaders are made. Preparing the next generation of changemakers, problem solvers and community builders is at the heart of our mission. With exemplary academic programs for more than 31,000 students and a global network of more than 370,000 alumni, we lead by example — teaching, volunteering and showing up for each other and the causes we believe in.
Save and Improve Lives
Bringing together top researchers and innovative facilities, Mizzou is driving lifesaving breakthroughs and delivering tomorrow’s treatments. By expanding our research power and investing in bold discoveries, our faculty and students are improving care across Missouri and creating solutions with global impact — bringing hope, healing and a healthier future for generations to come.
Build a Sustainable World
Every day, our faculty and students prove their power to reshape the world in extraordinary new ways. By harnessing strengths in engineering, agriculture and the sciences, they’re forging resilient, transformative solutions to the planet’s most urgent challenges — advancing sustainability, sparking new industries and driving economic opportunity.
Strengthen Communities
As a land-grant institution, we’re delivering real-world solutions across Missouri with a goal of doubling the state’s ag economy by 2030. Using advanced technology, research expertise and strong local partnerships in rural and urban communities, Mizzou is driving innovation in agriculture, rural health, workforce development and economic revitalization that reaches far beyond state lines.
Develop Champions
Life in the nation’s premier athletic conference means embracing competition, but it’s about more than winning. Through investments in coaching, facilities and student-athlete development, we’re preparing Tigers to excel on the field and in life, fostering leadership, determination and the skills needed to succeed and make a lasting impact in their communities.
A weekend written in gold
The University of Missouri set its sights higher than ever the weekend of Sept. 5, unveiling Power the Roar, a $2 billion philanthropic campaign that stands as the largest in the history of Missouri public higher education.
The launch unfolded across campus events, from an evening gathering on Carnahan Quadrangle to halftime fanfare at Faurot Field and a dazzling drone show above the Columns. Together they marked the public debut of an effort that will shape Mizzou’s future in education, research, health care and community engagement.
“With this campaign, we are amplifying the vital contributions of our land-grant mission,” said Todd Graves, chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. “We are grateful for the incredible support this campaign has received, and we are confident that Power the Roar will continue to build on this university’s mission to benefit all Missourians.”
Campaign stewards
Power the Roar is guided by a volunteer committee of alumni and friends, co-chaired by Paul Vogel, BS Acc ’89, M Acc ’90, JD ’93, and his wife, Lynn Ann Vogel of St. Louis.
“Alumni know firsthand the value of a Mizzou education and the lasting connections it creates for students, families and communities,” Paul Vogel says. “Through Power the Roar, we extend that legacy, ensuring Mizzou remains a leader in education, discovery and service far beyond our campus.”
Lynn Ann Vogel says Mizzou is part of her family’s traditions and shared memories, “and it is deeply meaningful to give back. It is an honor to serve alongside so many passionate alumni and supporters who share our love for this institution and our
commitment to ensuring it continues for generations of Tigers to come.”
Committee members include Brett Begeman, BS Ag ’83 (Chesterfield, Missouri); Roger Harris, BS BA ’73, and Jane Harris, BS Ed ’90 (Naples, Florida); Patricia Hummel, BS Ed ’86, and Robert C. Hummel II (Leawood, Kansas); Reuben Merideth, BS BA ’70, DVM ’78 (Fayette, Missouri); Richard Miller, BA ’70, LHD ’00 (Pittsburg, Kansas); and Frank Shelden, BS Ed ’77, and Val Lawlor, BA ’89 (Dallas).
To view a photo gallery of Power the Roar kickoff events, click here.
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