Seven seniors from the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business were recently honored with the prestigious Mizzou ’39 award. Presented by the Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board, Mizzou ’39 symbolizes the spirit of service that was the cornerstone of the founding of the University of Missouri in 1839.
“Each one of these students has had a tremendous impact on the Trulaske community and will continue to do so after graduation through the example they have set,” said Balaji Rajagopalan, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. Dean of the Trulaske College of Business. “Having seven students honored with the Mizzou ’39 reflects the quality of students attending the Trulaske College of Business, as well as the quality of instruction they receive here. We are proud of these students and grateful to their mentors.”
The award is given annually to 39 seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement, leadership and service to Mizzou and the community. Mizzou ’39 recipients also choose a faculty or staff member to recognize for having been a mentor throughout their college career.
“It has truly been an honor to be part of these students’ educational journeys,” said Gay Albright, associate dean of undergraduate programs and David and Judy O’Neal MBA professor in the Trulaske College of Business. “We continue to be energized and inspired by the hard work and enthusiasm demonstrated by Trulaske students.”
Trulaske students receiving the 2026 Mizzou 39 award include:
Hannah Banks
Major: Accountancy
Home: St. Louis, Missouri
Mentor: Camille Davis, Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life
Anna Hankins
Major: Finance and Banking
Home: Wardsville, Missouri
Mentor: Elise Bartley, Trulaske Associate Teaching Professor and FORVIS Teaching Scholar
Thad Harman
Major: Accountancy
Home: Cairo, Missouri
Mentor: Kate Elmore, Trulaske Recruitment Manager
Keira Hendrix
Major: Accountancy
Home: Owensville, Missouri
Mentor: Jen Ward, Trulaske Edge Programming Senior Coordinator
Kayla Modacure
Major: Marketing
Home: Chicago, Illinois
Mentor: Gay Albright, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and David and Judy O’Neal MBA Professor in the Trulaske College of Business
Kristyn Schaller
Major: International Business, Marketing
Home: Ashland, Missouri
Mentor: Mary Beth Marrs, Trulaske Associate Teaching Professor, Harry M. Cornell, Jr. Director of the Cornell Leadership Program, Director of Heartland Scholars Academy
Clay Van Eaton
Major: Accountancy
Home: Dallas, Texas
Mentor: Kevin Coughlin, Coordinator- Student Government & Auxiliaries
Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.