Why is missouri called mizzou

Fast forward to the present day, and impressive numbers reflect how MU has grown to become an outstanding educational beacon for students around the world:. It was named after David R. Francis, a former governor of Missouri, who was key in rebuilding the university after Academic Hall was destroyed by a fire in The only thing that survived the fire is what is now known as The Columns — a powerful symbol of MU pride, especially during the Tiger Walk and Tiger Prowl.

If you want to see what Francis looks like, swing by his statue located in the northeast section of Jesse Hall. MU also has a stand-out list of notable names who called the Columbia campus home, including entrepreneurs, athletes, singers, celebrities, etc.

Be sure to check out our other great blogs here! Text or Call: Facebook Twitter Instagram. Facebook Twitter Instagram. Quickly organized was an armed guard of Columbia citizens, who built a blockhouse and fortified the old courthouse in the center of town.

This company was called "The Missouri Tigers. The marauders never came. The reputation of the intrepid "Tigers" presumably traveled abroad, and Anderson's gang detoured around Columbia. Soon after Missouri's first football team was organized in , the athletic committee adopted the nickname "Tiger" in official recognition of those Civil War defenders.

Their spirit is now embodied in the MU mascot - "Truman the Tiger. Previously MU had two mascots, a male and a female, but neither had an identity. This contest was held on campus, over a period of a few weeks, to develop a name for the Tiger mascot.

The name stuck and has been popular ever since. In , the Tiger mascot design caricature, image, material, and color was in need of an upgrade. Jack Lengyel, Dick Tamburo, and Joe Castiglione sought a way to improve the overall personality of our mascot, Truman.

A design was submitted to the manufacturer for production. The Truman character has continued to reach new levels of popularity. Truman makes over 35 appearances a month including all MU football and basketball games, other athletic events, hospitals, civic functions, schools, businesses, etc.