Tru20: How the Trulaske College of Business has impacted the lives of 20 students

The Trulaske College of Business changes the lives of the students who go here, often in ways unimaginable until they come through the doors of Cornell Hall. It’s that kind of place. 

That’s why the college has created a program called Tru20 that invites business students to share their stories of how Trulaske has left a meaningful and lasting impression on their lives. Recipients are selected each spring by a committee comprised of faculty and staff from a variety of departments across the college. 

This year’s Tru20 students were recognized on April 28 with a ceremony in Cornell Hall, followed by a reception that included family, friends, faculty, staff and their peers.

Blake Conrad

Emphasis: Accounting  

Being a Trulaske student made a defining impact on my personal and professional success. Delta Sigma Pi (DSP) gave me 100 of my closest friends in Cornell Hall amidst a pandemic, creating a domino effect on my involvement and professional opportunities. DSP helped me professionally through networking opportunities, workshops, mentorships and professional speakers. If it had not been for the professional skills I developed in DSP, I would have never been able to turn attending my mom’s boss’ retirement party into an internship in Chicago with one of the best asset managers in the world, Nuveen. 

DSP also connected me to Mizzou’s Homecoming Steering Committee, where he then got involved with Camp Kesem [a camp for children whose parents have cancer], which led me to the college’s Camp Trulaske and so on. These are all the places where I found myself, my passions, my connections and my interests. 

DSP had such a domino effect on my college career and I can trace all of the opportunities I have had, the involvement I have partook in and the people I have met back to DSP.   

Wyatt Daly

Emphasis: Marketing    

My journey at the Trulaske College of Business is multifaceted, shaped by my involvement in Mizzou Collegiate DECA, Delta Sigma Pi (DSP) and study abroad experiences, all of which have left a significant impact on my life. 

I sought a sense of belonging and community, prompting my decision to join DECA. This led to lasting friendships but also provided opportunities for personal growth and networking. I was the recruitment co-chair during my sophomore year and president in my junior year, expanding our chapter's reach, doubling our membership and facilitating our participation in the International Career Development Conference. I also connected with our advisors, Lindsay Hing and Molly Tullis, on how to better involve DECA students and prepare them for our competitions.    

For DSP, I served as vice president of pledge education and senior vice president. I mentored pledges, facilitated recruitment initiatives and broke the records for number of applicants and pledges. I worked closely with Associate Dean Gay Albright, ensuring DSP upholds all of our bylaws, rules and regulations.  

The study abroad program, led by [Assistant Teaching] Professor Shannon Breske, also enhanced my Trulaske experience as I immersed myself in the business cultures of Frankfurt, Germany, and Paris, France. These experiences broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of global business dynamics. The study abroad experience with Professor Breske paved the way for my role as her teaching assistant, where I assist students in honing their business style writing skills, preparing them for the demands of the professional world.   

Madelyn Donnelly 

Emphasis: Accounting  

Trulaske has made a defining impact by giving me opportunities to meet like-minded individuals who value hard work, learning, and personal and professional growth. 

The first organization that propelled my journey within Trulaske was Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity (AKPsi). Students in AKPsi introduced me other organizations within the College of Business; I joined the Trulaske College of Business Student Council and Camp Trulaske and was encouraged to take on leadership roles in each organization. 

All three of have a network of supportive and capable individuals who have pushed me to become a better student, friend and professional. Their encouragement led me to applying for competitive internships, and I would not have completed two successful internships with Aldi and Deloitte without that. 

Because AKPsi is the reason I fell in love with Mizzou and the Trulaske College of Business, I wanted to share my passion with students like me who were looking for community at Mizzou. With a fellow student, I ran for vice president of membership so I could help my peers gain the confidence and knowledge of the professional world that was instilled in me when I first joined AKPsi.

Being a student at the Trulaske College of Business has been a rewarding experience that I am grateful for. My peers have encouraged me to become a leader in Trulaske and I hope my impact has done the same to them. I believe my involvement is a testament to my undeniable pride in being a Mizzou Tiger at the Trulaske College of Business.  

Kylie Groh

Emphasis: Marketing 

My Trulaske story is defined by learning from the stories around me. As a student assistant in the college’s Marketing & Communications department, I have the opportunity to capture my peers’ stories through photography, writing and videography. When I began the role, I was excited to gain marketing experience and apply my creativity to something more purposeful. Over the past two years, I have gained so much more than that.  

Every photo I take, every article I write and every question I ask teaches me more about what success looks like and where it comes from. I am also grateful to Trulaske staff and faculty who have shaped my storytelling style. Director of Marketing &Communications Casey Baker taught me how to search for stories that may be overlooked. [Assistant Teaching] Professor Katie Essing showed me that it’s worth going out of your way to make someone feel recognized. Dr. Elise Bartley taught me that you always have enough time to listen, and Dr. Christie McCullough taught me that if it’s worth writing, it’s worth writing well.  

Storytelling has taught me what brings communities a sense of unity. It’s being interwoven into each other's lives and getting to experience challenges and celebrate successes together. This understanding has evoked in me a passion for marketing and public relations beyond simply selling a product or an education. My true purpose is in telling stories not just to inspire others but to prove to the people around me that they have a story worth telling. 

Ako Hamaamin

Emphasis: Marketing  

Attending the Trulaske College of Business at the University of Missouri has been transformative for me, personally and professionally. When I first set foot on campus, I was on a quest to find my purpose and a sense of fulfillment.

As a freshman, I eagerly embraced the opportunities available within the business school, seeking out guidance from professors like Scott Christianson. Through his mentorship, I discovered a plethora of opportunities that aligned with my interests. One such opportunity led me to Dr. Greg Bier, the university’s executive director of entrepreneurship programs, whose insights and encouragement inspired me to launch my first business venture while still in my freshman year. 

My involvement with Mizzou CEO, the Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization, further enriched my college experience. Starting as a member, I later assumed the role of vice president and eventually president. I played a pivotal role in creating an environment where aspiring student entrepreneurs could connect with successful local and national professionals. Beyond facilitating these connections, I actively contributed to the growth and success of my peers by sharing my own entrepreneurial experiences and insights. Serving as president also tasked me with developing and implementing sustainable systems and processes to ensure the organization's continued success long after my tenure.  

Mizzou CEO was complemented by active participation in pitch competitions, where I tested and refined my business ideas. These experiences provided invaluable lessons that deepened my understanding of the startup landscape and the importance of resilience and adaptability. A highlight was securing first place in the Entrepreneur Quest pitch competition hosted by Mizzou with my company Solutoy, a business venture focused on developing a patented anti-theft device for catalytic converters. He later co-founded Student Storage Columbia with a fellow Trulaske student Noah Strodtman to provide college students with a seamless moving experience. 

My time as a student in the Trulaske College of Business has been defined by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, growth and meaningful experiences. I have honed my entrepreneurial skills and cultivated a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Upon graduation, I will be forever grateful to the Trulaske College of Business for the knowledge, connections and experiences gained.  

Grace Henley

Emphasis: Accounting 

As an incoming freshman, I heard so much about the Missouri School of Journalism, so I decided to do my departmental visit there. When I found out they had their own study abroad department, I was quickly sold, as travel was one of my primary goals for college. Eventually, I learned that journalism was not aligned with my skillset, so after spending one semester studying both journalism and business, I saw a future for myself in accounting that I was excited about. I joke about being a J-school dropout; however, Trulaske unexpectedly fulfilled everything I was looking for in a college career.

Because of Trulaske’s study abroad program and the Cornell Leadership Program (CLP), I had the opportunity to see nine new countries, visit multiple new U.S. cities and have unique experiences, one of my favorite being attending the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in London in 2022. Moreover, some of these trips were CLP international trips, which helped me integrate my second degree in Spanish with business studies. As Dr. Mary Beth Marrs, director of CLP, says, “Travel makes us a more interesting person,” and my time in Trulaske will have given me countless stories to share. 

As a tour guide who gave over 200 tours to incoming students and their families, I was always most eager to share about Trulaske, and as a graduate assistant in the accounting program, seeing students realize the experiences available to them makes me appreciate the practical ways Trulaske sets us up for success. In fact, because of a junior year CLP trip to Denver, I was able to connect with Mizzou graduates working at KPMG and eventually received an audit associate offer at the firm in Denver.

With graduation approaching, studying journalism seems like lifetimes ago. It’s often said in business that higher risk reaps higher reward. I have seen that play out in life over the past five years. “Dropping out” of the J-School was a huge risk, but the rewards have been much greater.

Jack Kish

Emphasis: Management 

I transferred to Mizzou from Rockhurst University. When I arrived at Mizzou, I lived in Hatch Hall and this is where I met my first initial friends but decided to not join any organizations due to COVID restrictions. This was one of my biggest mistakes. I felt like I didn't belong and felt separated from the campus. After the first semester, I joined the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of organizations in the business school. I served as the lead analyst, where I was able to impact 50 freshman, sophomores and juniors with their initial step into Trulaske. 

Later in the spring semester, I was selected as a Camp Trulaske director to help freshman feel welcome at the college. My camp colleagues and I hosted 220 freshmen who immersed themselves in three days with events and team bonding. I also guided a team of 60 counselors. 

From there, I set off on another mission. After noticing a gap in what was offered in the college, I led the effort to start the Trulaske Consulting Association (TCA). We immediately had 30 members and brought companies like Bain, McKinsey and Accenture, which only normally recruit from Ivy League schools, to campus. In the second year, membership expanded to 120 members and we started member trainings through Accenture. 

I hope all students will realize that they are unstoppable if they have a support system and a dream. I am committed to making sure students feel supported and encouraged, and in being a voice that speaks for the people who do not feel like their voice matters. 

Hayden Klein

Emphasis: Finance  

Being a Trulaske student played a monumental role in helping me turn things around as I launched my own business. One program that played a large role was the Cornell Leadership Program (CLP). In this program, there is an emphasis placed on how to ask quality questions and how to have professional, interesting conversations with people you’ve just met. I began implementing CLP strategies in my business. This allowed me to build rapport during estimates and establish trust between the potential client and me. This resulted in increased sales.  

Once production started, the lessons I learned in my accounting class were vital. Dr. Chris Prestigiacomo (Dr. P.) taught me about balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements. I conducted pre and post profit analyses, leading to more efficient resource allocation.   

Thanks to the business skills I learned from [Director of the Cornell Leadership Program] Dr. Mary Beth Marrs and Dr. P. and to the countless other experiences in Trulaske, I was able to help my customers transform their homes into what they’d always envisioned and grow my business.   

Kyle Klostermann

Emphasis: Accounting
Minor: Mathematics 

I am grateful that my college search led me to MU and Trulaske. Several groups, such as the Allen Angel Capital Education (AACE) Venture Fund and the University of Missouri Investment Group (UMIG), set Trulaske apart from other schools, and I was looking forward to making an impact.  

Once I got to Trulaske, I found three individuals who served as my mentors: Dylan Kay, Keeley Van Antwerp and Isaac Plumlee. These three were very involved in these organizations, and seeing how technically adept they were and the efforts they took to help younger students inspired me.   

I currently serve as the managing director of the student-led AACE Venture Fund. I lead due diligence processes for the fund, train incoming analysts, teach for a few class periods and oversee deal flow. It has been a life-changing experience, since we have gained hands-on experience in the venture capital world. Also, it has signaled a big change for me, since I have transitioned from being a mentee of these three individuals to acting as a mentor for students in the class.   

UMIG has opened up many opportunities for me in finance. Learning about investment banking and private equity gave me a new perspective about the finance world, inspiring me to pursue financial due diligence internships with reputable accounting firms. I have also been fortunate to travel on corporate trips to New York, where I was able to learn some of the skills necessary to succeed in high finance.  

Alongside these two organizations, I am a member of the Cornell Leadership Program, co-director of employee relations for the Trulaske Leadership Conference, a member of Trulaske Student Council and a student ambassador for the college. 

Taylor McMahan

Emphasis: Finance & Banking with Real Estate   

During my first semester at Mizzou, I was drawn to the business school and its opportunities. I switched majors so I could spend more time in Cornell Hall to learn about business. I got involved quickly with the Trulaske Leadership Conference, where I served as the day-of director and then a tri-director. I also joined the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, University of Missouri Investment Group and more.    

The defining experience came through the Entrepreneurship Alliance Accelerator Pitch Competition. Partnering with [Associate Teaching] Professor Scott Christianson, I worked with a group of entrepreneurial minded students to advance our own businesses while competing for an equity-free investment into our companies. This investment meant the school of business believed in me, was betting on my odds, setting me up for success and showing its dedication to the students who take initiative. With this, I was encouraged to take risks, put myself out there and create the future I wanted.  

I applied for a storefront through Mizzou’s Griggs Innovators Nexus and was elected as the first woman president of Mizzou CEO (Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization). My business, ButtonsByTaylor, was selected to have its own storefront. These opportunities have helped me inspire others to follow their dreams, to be proud of who they are and to wear it loudly (maybe even on a button on their backpack). These decisions have TRUly changed my life forever and I am forever grateful to Trulaske College of Business for inspiring me to take risks and create the future I want in the business world.   

Margo Nelson

Emphasis: Marketing    

When I first arrived at Mizzou as a transfer student, I was worried that it would be hard to find opportunities within the business school. I decided to join the Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) Business Fraternity and this decision changed the trajectory of my college career and future.   

In AKPsi, I found a community that supports one another and wants to see their peers succeed. This organization allowed me to develop my professional skills and taught me how to communicate with recruiters and other business professionals. I was even connected to an extensive alumni network that ultimately helped me obtain my internship with Edward Jones.    

Through my experiences in AKPsi, I was encouraged to run for vice president of membership. I chose to be a servant leader and it has been an honor to lead 43 unique students in their journeys within the business school. I make sure to clearly communicate with the new members and assure them that I am here to help them with any questions they may have. In the weeks that I have held this position, it has been incredible to watch each of them develop new skills that they did not possess before joining AKPsi.    

My greatest hope with this position is that the students I get to lead will get as much out of the chapter as I have. I find fulfillment in watching students come out of their shell and allow themselves to feel uncomfortable or even fail at times. I will continue to put the needs of others above my own as I continue to help foster an environment that promotes growth within the community. The legacy that I want to leave at Mizzou is the way I have made others feel and I will continue to share what I have learned through my experiences in Trulaske and within Alpha Kappa Psi.    

Jayme Opdahl

Emphasis: Finance and Banking 

The Trulaske College of Business has transformed my life in just three short years. Growing up in Missouri, the idea of landing a job in New York or Chicago post-graduation seemed like a distant dream, however, the Cornell Leadership Program opened my eyes to the possibility. I've utilized the resources provided by the Trulaske College of Business, the Cornell Leadership Program, the University of Missouri Investment Group, and the Allen Angel Capital Education Fund to turn this dream into a goal I could achieve.   

I participated in the Trulaske Study Abroad program and was able to secure a summer internship at a real estate investment firm in London, England. Upon returning to Mizzou in the fall, I took corporate visits to Chicago, New York City and Dallas with the University of Missouri Investment Group and Cornell Leadership Program. Witnessing firsthand the diverse firms and impactful roles secured by Mizzou alumni in capital markets left me awe inspired.   

Back on campus, I sought out every opportunity to advance toward my goals. I joined the Allen Angel Capital Education Fund class at Trulaske and gained invaluable experience learning about venture capital investing and participating in real investments. Additionally, my Trulaske Study Abroad international internship helped me secure summer internships at a private equity firm in Kansas City and later, an internship at Bank of America in Chicago. 

My journey from uncertainty to leadership as the now president of the University of Missouri Investment Group (UMIG) and founder of the UMIG Women in Finance Program exemplifies the transformative power of Mizzou. I am deeply thankful and proud to call myself a student of the Trulaske College of Business, a decision I wouldn't change for anything.  

Addison Pearman

Emphasis: Finance and Banking   

The Trulaske College of Business undoubtedly changed my life forever. In my first semester, I rushed [business fraternity] Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi). My role as vice president of membership, for instance, allowed me to directly shape and guide the journeys of 40 new members during their first semester in AKPsi, a responsibility I cherished greatly. 

Now, as chapter president, I have the privilege of leading our exec board and an organization of over 170 members. I have led our chapter in several notable events, such as our first ever Homecoming Alumni and Family Brunch, our first co-hosted Trulaske Edge event, a trip to the AKPsi Elevate Conference in Chicago, Illinois, and more. 

These experiences taught me the essence of leading with empathy, the importance of promoting professional development among college students and the art of managing a large, dynamic organization. I could not be prouder to lead and impact such an amazing organization.  

My love for Trulaske does not just stop at AKPsi. I have been an active business ambassador for three years, sharing the beauty of Cornell Hall with prospective students and their families. Additionally, participating in a Trulaske Study Abroad trip to Bergamo, Italy, broadened my global perspective and challenged me to step out of my comfort zone.   

Post-graduation, my transition to a professional career as a consulting analyst at Accenture in Chicago demonstrates the tangible benefits of my collegiate journey. Securing this position at my dream company would not have been possible without the Mizzou AKPsi alumni connection who helped land me the internship.   

The Trulaske College of Business and my involvement in AKPsi didn't just prepare me for a career; they shaped my character and defined my passion to mentor and empower others. As I progress through my life, I will always have a special place in my heart for the Trulaske College of Business and Cornell Hall will always be my home.  

Ethan Peter

Emphasis: Finance and Real Estate   

I sat silently in the classroom I spent countless hours in over the past semester. Waiting. In a moment, [Associate Professor] Adam Yore would read the number that defined our class’s performance.   

And then he said it: 1.7%. I breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile crept over my face.   

Finance professionals chase a concept called alpha. Alpha is when an investor outperforms a financial benchmark based on risk-adjusted returns. I spent my spring semester of 2023 chasing alpha as part of the Investment Fund Management program (a student-run investment fund that manages $2 million of the University of Missouri’s endowment). I felt particularly excited because I held a leadership position in the fund. I served as the fund’s chief economist and the youngest member of our three-person executive board. I devised the fund strategy and predicted economic developments to use in stock valuations.    

Trulaske’s commitment to the Missouri Method of “learning by doing” through this class complemented my finance and economics degrees. I found myself able to speak intelligently about what economic indicators meant during my internship this summer. Many of these indicators are not covered in traditional finance or economics coursework, so my knowledge of different indicators’ implications impressed many of my co-workers.    

I feel proud of our performance that semester. I grew as a finance student, met other incredible students and got to financially give back to the University of Missouri while I was still a student.   

Jenna Phelan

Emphasis: Accounting   

The Trulaske College of Business is the reason I have found who I am and what I stand for in college. Cornell Hall is my second home at Mizzou because of the people that fill it. I met Emma Austin first semester freshman year when I joined [business fraternity] Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) and the Cornell Leadership Program. As president of AKPsi at the time, Emma led our chapter with confidence, built community in the business school, poured herself into her relationships, and dedicated her time to helping others like me.   

I still keep a handwritten congratulatory note from Emma on my bulletin board as a reminder of how her leadership made an impact on me. I later had the opportunity to meet several other business leaders at Trulaske alumni receptions in Kansas City, St. Louis and Dallas through the Cornell Leadership Program. Listening to their journeys from the College of Business to corporate America, I noticed a common theme. These leaders, similar to Emma, found success by making the most of each opportunity and each relationship. They challenge themselves to say yes. They challenge themselves to put in their all for others.   

I approach life and business differently because of these people and opportunities. As an upperclassman, I wanted to share this approach and encourage others to say yes too. By mentoring younger accounting students in AKPsi and heading up a Trulaske mentoring program for new members in my sorority, I have been able to pass on what I’ve learned about making the most of the Trulaske experience. From advice on building meaningful relationships during accounting internships, to gaining confidence to network with recruiters, to spreading awareness about the opportunities mentioned above, it has been incredibly meaningful to connect with younger Trulaske students and make friendships that will continue beyond college. Cornell Hall is the place I met my closest friends, was able to pour myself into my passions and major and become a person I am proud of. My biggest hope is that I might have even become someone else’s Emma Austin along the way.    

Ruthie Pierson

Emphasis: Marketing   

While initially I wasn’t confident that business was the right career path for me, the time I’ve spent at the Trulaske College of Business has helped me grow exponentially. Being involved in both Pi Sigma Epsilon [professional fraternity] and Mizzou DECA has enriched my collegiate experience, providing for personal and professional development.   

I joined Mizzou Collegiate DECA during my freshman year, eager to build relationships in the business school. As a sophomore, I was elected vice president of marketing and outreach and was responsible for implementing marketing campaigns through social media channels. Within this role, I grew Mizzou DECA’s Instagram by 100 followers in just six months. This resulted in our chapter doubling during the 2022-2023 school year. 

In my junior year, I was elected as Mizzou DECA’s vice president and I focused on improving competition preparation for members of DECA. That year, 35 Mizzou members competed at the Missouri State Career Development Conference, with 32 placing in the top five of their events and qualifying for the International Career Development Conference in Austin, Texas. For me personally, securing third place in the hotel and lodging management individual roleplay, as well as third place in the business ethics team case study event, was a testament to my dedication and hard work in Mizzou Collegiate DECA.  

Pi Sigma Epsilon - Zeta Kappa Chapter (PSE) has also had an immense impact on my time at Trulaske. I served as vice president of administration my sophomore year and managed membership tracking and submitted reports to PSE headquarters. While in this role, I brought the chapter back into good standing with the national organization. This year, I serve as the vice president of finance. In collaboration with the president and fundraising chair, I've played a pivotal role in securing over $2,000 in funding for various activities, including our participation in the national convention and the organization of social events.   

I am immensely grateful for the opportunities I have received through the Trulaske College of Business and I am certain that pursuing business while at Mizzou will prove to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.  

Jack Pope

Emphasis: Accounting   

As a sophomore, I would not have described myself as a leader, an involved student or a mentor. [Director] Mary Beth Marrs and [Program Coordinator] Stacy Rohr with the Cornell Leadership Program (CLP) saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. My acceptance into CLP changed the trajectory of my college experience. It allowed me to see my potential and how I could impact other students. This acceptance was the assurance and confidence I needed to put myself out there.    

My first leadership role was with Camp Trulaske as a tri-director in August 2023. For 10 months, I worked with two other directors to plan and lead a welcome event for incoming business students. I was shocked when I received this role because I was a sophomore with no leadership experience. [Undergraduate recruitment coordinators] Kate Elmore, Dan Nicewarner and Gretchen Burns took a chance on me. In this role, I learned what my leadership style was and how I worked with others under pressure. I designed all of the merchandise for the camp and collaborated with my co-directors on logistics. I led over 50 counselors and we hosted 230 incoming students.     

I went on to serve as a College of Business ambassador, hosting prospective students and families visiting campus. I have also held three leadership positions within [business fraternity] Alpha Kappa Psi, including vice president of membership. I have also served as co-director of employer relations for the Trulaske Leadership Conference and am the programs director for the Association of Accounting Students.    

I was able to lead and support others because the faculty in the College of Business believed in me. Dr. Marrs, Stacy Rohr, Kate Elmore, Dan Nicewarner and Gretchen Burns have allowed me to not only believe in myself, but show me what kind of impact I can have on other students as well. They have truly changed my life and I hope that someday I can instill the same confidence and empowerment into someone else as they have in me. 

Sayed Zabiullah Sadat

Emphasis: Management    

My journey at the University of Missouri and the Trulaske College of Business has been crucial, unforgettable and transformative. I have been provided with opportunities that have prepared me for life, teaching me how to start from scratch and never give up. I have experienced many ups and downs, all of which were learning experiences.  

As vice president and now president of Mizzou’s Afghan Students Association, I have organized several major events each semester to engage and interact with students from around the world, creating a diverse environment. I am grateful for the support from University of Missouri leadership, including President Mun Choi, Vice Provost for International Programs Mary Stegmaier, Director of the Office of Service Learning Graham McCaulley, Assistant Dean Lauren Brengarth, [Assistant Teaching] Professor Tim Hill and my former academic advisor Stephanie Toigo. Their encouragement and appreciation of my work have been invaluable.  

When documentary about me was published in the Columbia Missourian, all the faculty from the Trulaske College of Business sent me congratulatory emails, asked if I needed any support and truly gave me a sense of family. Networking events organized by Trulaske have been wonderful, giving me the chance to connect with recruiters and make meaningful connections with attendees, and led to the fantastic opportunity to intern at Shelter Insurance. During my journey, I participated in several field trips, student case competitions, conferences, Trulaske Edge events and the Cornell Leadership Program. All these opportunities have developed academic insights and allowed me to implement my knowledge in the real world. I am proud to be part of the Mizzou family.   

Brady Schroff

Emphasis: Marketing   

My Trulaske story started in the fall of 2020 when, as an ambitious high school senior, I discovered the Cornell Leadership Program (CLP) while applying to Mizzou. During my campus visit a few weeks later, I was greeted by Dr. Mary Beth Marrs, director of CLP. She showed genuine interest in me, and as we engaged in conversation about the CLP experience, I saw my future at Trulaske begin to materialize.   

When I was accepted into the program weeks later, I knew my college decision was made. Looking back on this moment, the decision to become a student of the Trulaske College of Business, and more specifically a member of the CLP, was one of the best decisions of my life. CLP has fundamentally shifted my perspective on the business landscape by highlighting the extent to which our decisions impact others, whether that be stakeholders, coworkers or customers – and ever since, my mission has been to make the business world a better place through kindness, empathy, selflessness and inclusion.   

I have been able to apply this mission in various leadership roles on campus. Currently, I am interning for the MU International Trade Center. Last fall, I was selected to be on the executive board of the Trulaske Leadership Conference. In CLP, I have the honor of acting as a class coordinator. Outside of the College of Business, I lead a small group through my church. 

I will always be grateful that Dr. Marrs and the Cornell Leadership Program saw the potential in me and gave me a platform to thrive. I’ve been able to experience tremendous privilege and opportunities as a member of CLP and it brings me great joy to give back to the community that has shaped who I am as a person. 

As I move into my final year at Mizzou, I am excited to keep leading and learning – because there is always an opportunity to do so at the Trulaske College of Business.  

Holly Williams

Emphasis: Accounting
Minor: Economics   

The Trulaske College of Business has given me much more than a home and a community; it has challenged me academically, emboldened my professional pursuits and refined my personal values. The Cornell Leadership Program’s (CLP) international service trip to Panamá in particular allowed me to interact with international companies, witness the interworking of the Panama Canal, volunteer to clean up a river and create lasting memories with the Emberá tribe. This trip made me feel empowered to widen my global perspective and enhance my professional skills.    

Studying abroad not only allowed me to utilize the concepts I have learned in the classroom and enhance my academic pursuits, but I also got the opportunity to further develop my professional network and gain a global perspective. This trip would not have happened without the support of Dr. Mary Beth Marrs [CLP director] and Stacy Rohr [CLP program coordinator], who inspired and gave me the confidence to continue my passion for international travel.        

Being on the executive board for the Trulaske Leadership Conferences as an employer relations director (2022), tri-director for employer and student relations (2023), and co-president (2024) has allowed me to impart the knowledge I learned through those international and professional experiences learned in CLP and Trulaske as a whole. With the help of Business Career Services and [Assistant Director] Lindsay Hing, I have been given the opportunity to manage several teams and act as a mentor.   

Trulaske has given me keen insight to motivate as a board member in Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity; mentor as a counselor for Camp Trulaske; and inspire as a member of the Association of Trulaske Businesswomen.