Two Trulaske students tapped for prestigious honorary societies

For more than a century, Tap Day at Mizzou has been a celebrated tradition that recognizes distinguished groups of students who are invited or “tapped” to join one of six prestigious honorary societies. These students are recognized for their substantial contributions to the university and unwavering commitment to service and leadership within the Mizzou community.

This year, two students from the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business were selected for this honor. 

LANA HILL – Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)

Major: BS BA in finance and banking plus real estate, BS in economics
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

How did you feel when you discovered you were tapped into a secret society?
I was excited! I was not expecting to get in. I knew it was going to be a fun experience.

How do you think being a part of a secret society will impact your future?
I feel grateful to have the opportunity to network with other highly involved campus students I would not otherwise have the chance to connect with. I hope to build and strengthen those connections during my final year at Mizzou and beyond graduation.

What aspects of the Trulaske College of Business have been most influential in your personal and professional growth?
 The professors and friends that I have made through Trulaske classes and student organizations.

Which professor or course in the Trulaske College of Business has had the most impact on you and why?
Assistant Professor Kate Holland’s Financial Management course was one of the most challenging and rewarding courses I have taken at Mizzou. I struggled a lot at first, but Professor Holland was always willing to answer my many questions and provide assistance outside of class. Her encouragement and support gave me the motivation to continue. Since completing the course, I have a stronger grasp of how to apply real-world financial concepts in Excel. 

What is your most memorable college experience so far?
At the end of sophomore year, my friends and I laid down on Lowry Mall outside the Ellis library entrance to recap the year and stargaze.

What have you learned about yourself through your college experience so far?
I was not an “outdoorsy person” until I came to Mizzou. I learned through my campus involvement in various student organizations that I have a passion for the outdoors and nature conservation. I hope to incorporate this passion into my personal life and future career post grad.

How has being involved in service projects shaped your college experience?
I enjoy doing work that I know has a meaningful purpose and end goal in mind. I have learned a lot from my community service experiences that I plan to carry with me into the future. 

Why is giving back to the community important to you?
 I like seeing people smile. I enjoy giving back to the community because of the joy it brings to others. 

What is one fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
I am a certified Wilderness First Responder.

What are your plans for after graduation?
I hope to visit many national parks, climb sick outdoor routes, explore new cities and hike fun trails! And of course, get a job and spend time making new memories with family and friends.

What is your personal motto?
"Comparison is the thief of joy." — ​Theodore Roosevelt
This is technically not my own motto, but I like to refer to it when I am under stress.

What advice would you give to an incoming business student?
Spend your first year getting involved in many different student organizations. It's OK if you don't know what your interests or passions are yet. Your freshman year is meant to be one of new adventures. Use your second year to start narrowing down your interests. Ask yourself which organizations you enjoy the most and can feasibly continue without getting too burnt out. Also, separate the genuine interests from the resume builders. While a certain organization may look good on a resume, is it really worth the time, money and energy that could be spent in a more meaningful way? Use the last two (or three) years to dive into your involvement with the few organizations you enjoy the most. Through trial and error, I found this process to be the most beneficial.

TAYLOR McMAHAN – Mortar Board

Major: BS BA in finance and banking plus real estate, BS in economics 
Hometown: Sullivan, Missouri 

How did you feel when you discovered you were tapped into a secret society? I felt an overwhelming sense of Mizzou pride. Since my freshman year I have always admired the secret societies and the amazing leaders who were tapped. Knowing that I was surrounded by some of the most inspirational, impactful, humble and kind students on our campus made me proud to be a Tiger.  

What was the first thing that came to your mind when you found out you were tapped?
The first thing that came to my mind was how proud freshman me would be! I have come so far and grown so much as a leader, student, entrepreneur and person.   

How do you think being a part of a secret society will impact your future?
I think being a part of a group of students who are leaders and innovators in each of their own parts of campus will allow me to expand my point of view and become a better leader myself. Learning from others is so valuable and this is the perfect opportunity to grow together as group and as leaders. 

What aspects of the Trulaske College of Business have been most influential in your personal and professional growth?
My experience as a Trulaske College of Business student has been amazing so far! The professors, mentors, curriculum and organizations have pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone, to seek out new opportunities, and to always keep growing as a professional and as a person. 

Which professor or course in the Trulaske College of Business has had the most impact on you and why?
There have been three professors who have made a huge impact on me and propelled my career: Professor J. Scott Christianson, Professor Christie McCullough and Professor Kateryna Holland. They all have made me fall in love with entrepreneurship, business and finance and have individually fostered my growth and supported me through my academic journey. 

What is your most memorable college experience so far?
Becoming the first female president of Mizzou’s chapter of Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Through this role I have been able to grow entrepreneurship on campus while connecting with awesome students who are making waves in their businesses and sectors. I was also able to connect with other student organizations and to grow my network.  

What have you learned about yourself through your college experience so far?
The biggest and simplest lesson I’ve learned is to just go for it! You never know what will happen, and there are so many opportunities just waiting for someone to take the risk. You will learn so much and be able to achieve much more than you ever imagined. 

How has being involved in service projects shaped your college experience? Why is giving back to the community important to you?
Through my minor in leadership and public service and other service projects I have learned the value of giving back to your community and helping others. You can have a huge impact and make a difference in your community. It is so fulfilling to foster growth in others and to be a person who thinks of and helps others. 

What is one fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
I want to be a professor one day (in the far future)! 

What are your plans for after graduation?
This summer, I am interning at JP Morgan Chase in New York City for sales & trading within corporate investment banking. I hope to stay on Wall Street after graduation and if possible, go to law school and become a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) attorney. 

What is your personal motto?
If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.  It never hurts to ask! 

What advice would you give to an incoming business student?
 Take advantage of every single opportunity! Your time will go so fast, and you never want to look back and think that you didn’t do your best to go outside of your comfort zone! There are so many opportunities to grow and get involved on campus, I would tell any student to join any organization that’s interesting to you and to go for it in any scenario.