March 3, 2026
Contact: Sara Diedrich, diedrichs@missouri.edu
Photo courtesy of Tara and Greg Boehne
Greg Boehne, BS Ed ’91, and his wife, Tara Kott Boehne, BHS ’91, met the summer before their freshman year at the University of Missouri when they were placed in the same Summer Welcome group. It didn’t take long for sparks to fly.
The Boehnes — who married in 1992 and whose son, Will, also became a Tiger — remain deeply committed to the university, supporting Mizzou through service, longstanding philanthropy and as life members of the Mizzou Alumni Association. Today, Greg Boehne serves as chair of the Jefferson Club Board of Trustees, a society that recognizes alumni, friends and organizations who have made significant financial contributions to the university.
The Springfield, Missouri, couple also demonstrates their generosity by supporting Mizzou Giving Day.
“Mizzou holds special meaning for us,” Greg Boehne said. “This is where we were exposed to new ideas and developed a commitment to lifelong learning. But even more important were the people we met and the relationships that followed. I met not only my future spouse at Mizzou, but also friends we still spend time with today.”
This year, the Boehnes are joining thousands of Tigers in celebrating the ninth annual Mizzou Giving Day, a 24-hour fundraising event that begins at noon on Wednesday, March 11, and runs through noon on Thursday, March 12. Designed to bring the university community together, the campaign features donation challenges, matching gifts and friendly competitions aimed at maximizing impact. Last year, 2,366 gifts were made, raising more than $5.4 million to advance the mission of the world-class research university.
Once again, excitement is mounting as Tigers across the globe prepare to come together, proving that every gift — no matter the size — can help shape the future. Donors are encouraged to give to support what matters most to them at Mizzou. All gifts during the day of generosity also count toward Mizzou’s $2-billion goal for Power the Roar, the university’s comprehensive campaign that is delivering solutions to global challenges and improving lives throughout Missouri and beyond.
“I’ve seen the power of people getting into the habit of giving back early and often,” Greg Boehne said. “Even $25 a month matters because it creates a pattern of generosity — and once that pattern starts, people keep supporting the causes that mean the most to them. Everyone has something meaningful, whether it’s Homecoming, scholarships or athletics. For most people, there’s one experience that was truly transformational.”
For the Boehnes, it was Mizzou’s educational mission that inspired them to give. They chose to create scholarships for future Tigers through a gift of life insurance, a form of planned giving in which the university is named as a beneficiary or owner of a policy. The approach especially resonated with Greg Boehne, owner of Boehne Financial Group.
“We can help someone after we are gone, leaving a legacy,” he said.
For the Boehnes, giving back to Mizzou has become a family tradition. Will Boehne recently followed in his father’s footsteps when he was sworn in as a member of the Greene County Extension Council, part of MU Extension — the same group Greg Boehne served for four years, including two as chair.
Staying connected to Mizzou has not only strengthened the Boehnes’ existing friendships but also opened doors to meet new people.
“You can build those connections at athletic events, but also by giving your time or talents to Mizzou,” Greg Boehne said. “The university offers countless ways to volunteer and stay involved — and that’s a wonderful thing.”
Be part of Mizzou Giving Day and show the world what Tigers can do together!
