One busy University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing student joined an elite group of students this month. Laura Young, a sixth-semester undergraduate student, was named one of the Mizzou '39. The program of the Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board recognizes 39 seniors with outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service to the University and community. Each year, 39 seniors are selected in honor of MU’s founding in 1839.
For Young, the recognition comes as verification of her time and efforts on campus. “It makes me feel like I've actually contributed something to the university,” she said. “It's a big deal to me to know that I've left enough impact to get this award.”
The recognition further cements the family ties Young feels for MU. Both of Young's parents, an older brother and several extended family members hold MU degrees. Her younger brother is a current student. “It's kind of like our family school,” she said.
Each Mizzou '39 recipient names one faculty or staff member for the impact he/she has made on students. Young recognized Nicole Bartow, nursing instructor and director of the Essig Clinical Simulation Learning Center, for her dedication to students, in and out of the classroom. “Seeing how passionate she was about nursing made me even more motivated than when I started nursing school,” Young said. The amount of time and energy Bartow puts into the learning center, her classes and connecting with students inspired Young. “Fifth semester probably would have been a lot harder without having her as a teacher,” Young said.
Bartow also praised Young for her motivation and discipline in learning. “Laura is an utter delight to have in class,” Bartow said. “She is motivated by the attainment of nursing knowledge and also by the sheer challenge of the requirements of the field. Laura has tremendous discipline and structure and truly has set extremely high standards for herself – which she always seems to achieve.”
Young was on the Golden Girls squad her first three years of college, served as a 2011 Summer Welcome leader, president of Kappa Alpha Theta in 2011 and is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, a Tap Day society. She also has volunteered at the McCambridge Center, a counseling center for chemically-dependent women. Through Kappa Alpha Theta, Young worked with the Partners in Education program in the Columbia Public Schools and on philanthropy efforts supporting Court Appoint Special Advocates Association (CASA).
Young, grew up in St. Louis until sophomore year in high school when her family moved to Southlake, Texas.
The Mizzou '39 were announced in a small ceremony on the Francis Quadrangle Feb. 6. They were also recognized at the Missouri men's basketball game Feb. 11 and a banquet that evening.