Celebrating Discovery – MU Extension Conference
More than 800 faculty, staff, retirees and council members gathered on the campus of the University of Missouri - Columbia to celebrate success and chart University of Missouri Extension’s course for the future during the 2004 Annual Conference, May 18-20, in Columbia. The conference marked the first all-staff gathering since the transfer of the extension management responsibility to MU and commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914.
“This is a very special moment for me to stand before you today and share a few thoughts about University of Missouri Extension and the so very special educational work that you conduct on a daily basis with the residents of Missouri and beyond,” said Interim Vice Provost and Director of Cooperative Extension Tom Henderson during the opening session.
In addition to educational and planning sessions attendees enjoyed an evening 90th birthday celebration with music and welcome from University of Missouri System President, Elson Floyd. The conference closed with an awards ceremony and remarks by Dr. Brady Deaton, Chancellor, University of Missouri-Columbia, at Jesse Auditorium.
Conference coordinated by Jewel Coffman
Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL) Summer Institute
GICL Summer Institute 2004 began on Monday, May 17, with registration and an evening reception at the Stoney Creek Inn Hotel, Columbia, MO. Tuesday through Friday, educational sessions were held at the new, state-of-the-art Cornell Hall, home of the University of Missouri’s Business School on the MU Campus.
GICL is designed to provide an understanding of the unique structural characteristics of cooperatives and foster leading edge thinking critical to future success of cooperatives. The Summer Institute is designed to enable cooperative leaders (mid-level to higher level of management) to acquire and develop new approaches for directing and managing in user-owned and controlled organizations in the changing global marketplace.
Participants have to be nominated and approved before attending this highly focused and extremely interactive week-long seminar. Past participants include cooperative directors, university faculty with a cooperative focus, USDA specialists, and international participants interested in cooperatives ventures.
Drawing from the educational resources at the University of Missouri and from premier cooperative CEO leaders in the nation, the Summer Institute provides a unique mixture of research and experiential based learning. One of the gems of the Institute is the forum of exchanging ideas and knowledge among a diverse group of participants. Summer Institute participants gain knowledge to help their cooperative improve performance as well as enhance personal development.
GICL participants also explored the campus historical areas and experienced fine dining at a local winery before the event closing lunch at the Alumni Center on Friday, May 21.
Conference coordinated by Joy Millard and Irma Mahamad
2004 Summer Fire School and Midwest Wildfire Training Academy
The 2004 Summer Fire School and Midwest Wildfire Training Academy were held this year on June 2-6 in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Summer Fire School, sponsored by the MU Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute, was attended by 700 individuals, mostly from around the state of Missouri. Participants received training in a wide variety of topics ranging from basic to advanced levels; including Basic Fire Fighter Training, Vehicle Rescue, EMT Core Requirements, Fire Officer I, and Clandestine Drug Lab Operations, most courses also included hands-on training. Summer Fire School was created in 1933 (then called “Summer Fire College”) when it was determined that training was needed for firemen to perform their duties safely and efficiently.
The Midwest Wildfire Training Academy, sponsored by the Big Rivers Forest Fire Management Compact, was attended by over 275 individuals from 15 states, mostly in the Midwest. Participants received specialized training designed for wildland firefighters through hands-on courses such as Portable Pumps and Water Use, Wildfire Power Saws, and Wildland Fire Behavior. The Big Rivers Compact is a partnership between Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri Departments of Natural Resources, USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area and Private Forestry Industries. In addition, a USDA Forest Service National Fire Plan Grant helps minimize and subsidize costs of tuition, over 120 full scholarships were issued to individuals for the 2004 classes.
The 2005 Summer Fire School/Midwest Wildfire Training Academy has been scheduled for June 1-5, 2005 in Jefferson City, Missouri; please see http://www.mufrti.org for more information.
Conference coordinated by Amy Jarvis
2004 State 4-H Congress
4Hers from across the state convened in Columbia on June 2-4, 2004 for the 59th Annual State 4H Congress. These representatives, betweens the ages of 14-19, came together to elect the State 4H officers for the coming year. But also high on the list of objectives was the opportunity to become acquainted with fellow Missourians. Beside the election, the 363 attendees participated in learnshops; became familiar with the University of Missouri – Columbia campus and the many opportunities available to them throughout the National 4H system.
Learnshop topics included topics like: "Discover the World of Circle, Folk and Square Dancing", "Surfing - U.S.A." (an on-line scavenger hunt), "Locked Up, But Not Locked Out", "Fitness and Wellness for a Lifetime", "Taking the 4-H Key Award Journey".
The Congress schedule kept the attendees involved and on the go. They arrived on Wednesday around 12:00 pm and begin with their pre-selected learnshop choices. That evening, the 4Hers took over Lowry Mall for a casual dance. Thursday found the teens attending morning learnshops with recreational time in the afternoon and a dressy dance at the Reynolds Alumni Center that evening. Friday, Congress drew to a close with a general session where everyone came together for a final assembly with a PowerPoint presentation of photos put together from the week’s events. The current 4H Executive Council members retired and the results of the 59th State 4H Congress were announced.
Conference coordinated by Lorie Bousquet
Council to Campus Day
Council to Campus Day was held on July 23, 2004 on the University of Missouri – Columbia campus in the Reynolds Alumni Center. All the State Extension Council members, Regional Council members, and Regional Directors were invited to come to campus to hear directly from the Continuing Education Directors and Program Leaders.
A statewide perspective was discussed on each of the programs: College of Agriculture, Food Sciences and Natural Resources, Human Environmental Sciences, 4H Youth Development, Community Development, and Business and Industry. In the afternoon, Continuing Education Directors discussed the opportunities available for the residents of those communities.
The day included plenty of networking and a chance for open discussion. The group hopes to be able to host a similar program in the future.
Conference coordinated by Jamie Schieber
National Writing Across the Curriculum Conference
On May, 20-22, 2004, the National Writing Across the Curriculum Conference was held at the Marriott Pavilion in downtown in St. Louis, Missouri. Conference attendees came from all over the United States, as well as many other countries. The Campus Writing Program at the University of Missouri – Columbia worked hard to offer presentations and a conference that would entice attendees from all over the world. In addition to the variety of sessions offered, the conference was filled with ample networking opportunities. One of the highlights of the conference was an evening reception at the Historic Gateway Arch. Attendees enjoyed tours through the museum, wonderful food and beverage, and the ability to be one of very few that are invited to ride to the top of the Arch at night. This event was a success and attendees continue to enjoy the contacts and memories that they’ve made at W.A.C. 2004.
Conference coordinated by Cindy Hazelrigg
Youth Leadership Forum
Youth Leadership Forum, presented by the Governor’s Council on Disability took place on July 25-28, 2004. This group of students and advisers from across the state had many opportunities to learn about one another and make lasting friendships. The sessions were presented by various speakers on a wide range of topics and the high school juniors and seniors enjoyed the opportunity to be on MU’s campus. This conference proved to be a truly inspiring workshop.
Conference coordinated by Cindy Hazelrigg
Per your request, we will forward an MU Conference Office information kit and five-minute video, which highlights our event management services, client testimonials and events, in addition to showcasing the University of Missouri-Columbia campus, local community and the Show-Me State.