MEDIA ADVISORY: Graduate Education Week Offers Families Fun-Filled Saturday at “Mizzou Adventures in Education”

Story Contact(s):
Christian Basi, BasiC@missouri.edu, 573-882-4430

WHAT: The University of Missouri Graduate School invites families and children from kindergarten to sixth grade to participate in hands-on learning activities at “Mizzou Adventures in Education” on Saturday as part of the 2011 Graduate Education Week.

More than 20 booths will be operated by graduate students volunteering their time to guide children during kid-friendly experiments, games and creative crafts. Children will explore many topics including animals and insects, chemistry, sports and plants.

TJ, the junior Mizzou mascot for Children’s Hospital will make a special appearance and tiger stripe ice cream will be available for the first 200 children at the free event.

In a proclamation establishing Graduate Education Week, signed by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, the state recognized the importance of graduate education due to a growing need for sustainable agriculture and energy researchers, health professions and teachers. The proclamation also recognizes the promising long-term employment outlook for advanced degree holders and the clear economic benefits gained from innovation and technological advances.

As of Fall 2010, MU has a graduate enrollment of 6,317 students representing students from every U.S. state and territory and nearly 100 countries.

WHO: This event is free and open to the public.  Dr. Anne Deaton will present the “Chancellor’s Award for Public Outreach”, which is awarded for exemplary translation of research concepts into educational activities for children.

WHERE: Jesse Hall, MU Campus

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 16

NOTE: During the 2011 Graduate Education Week, which is from April 16 to April 23, events across Missouri will promote awareness of the positive impact of graduate education. Events include seminars for those who wish to attend graduate school as well as the Graduate School Awards Reception.

The last event of Graduate Education Week will be the Legislator Recognition event, sponsored by the Graduate Professional Council, on April 21. For a full list of events and more information on Graduate Education Week, visit www.GradEdWeek.org.