When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m.
Where: Drury University campus (in-person)
Prize: This competition offers a four-year full-tuition scholarship (five years for Architecture majors) and the chance to experience Drury’s educational philosophy firsthand, as well as additional scholarship opportunities.

Here’s the key insight: your GPA and test scores won’t decide the outcome. Every invited student already ranks in the top 8% academically. What faculty evaluators are really seeking is critical thinking ability, strong communication skills, and meaningful extracurricular leadership. They value depth of involvement over a long list of superficial activities.

The Three Components

Component 1: Presentation (10 minutes)
Deliver a presentation on any topic you’re passionate about using PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Canva. Past topics have included service and civic responsibility, sustainability, science and technology, fine arts, and historical or political ideas. Choose something that showcases how you think and communicate complex ideas.

Component 2: Interview (15 minutes)
Two faculty members will interview you about your extracurricular involvement. This is your opportunity to share the stories behind your achievements and articulate what drives you. Focus on depth and meaning rather than listing every activity.

Component 3: Group Discussion (40 minutes)
Join 4-7 other candidates and two faculty members to discuss two articles exploring technology, AI, human connection, and mental health:

• “Aristotle would scoff at Mark Zuckerberg’s suggestion that AI can solve the loneliness epidemic” by Gregg D. Caruso

• “The great rewiring: is social media really behind an epidemic of teenage mental illness?” by Candice L. Odgers

Come prepared with marked-up copies, notes, and thoughtful reactions. The goal is to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and collaborative thinking, not to have all the “right” answers.

Why This Competition Exists

Drury designed this three-part process to introduce you to their interdisciplinary liberal arts approach, give you a preview of campus intellectual life, and help faculty identify students through meaningful interaction rather than just paper applications. The connections you make during this competition can lead to research opportunities and mentorship throughout your college career.

Final Advice

Be authentic. Choose a presentation topic that genuinely excites you. Reflect on what your experiences have taught you. Read the discussion articles critically and form real questions rather than trying to guess what evaluators want to hear.

Drury isn’t just looking for impressive credentials—they’re seeking future scholars and leaders who will contribute meaningfully to their community. You’ve already shown that potential. Now it’s time to demonstrate what makes you truly distinguished.

Register here to begin your journey toward becoming a Drury Distinguished Scholar.

• Men’s Wrestling: Nov 5 (Wed) 6 PM at Ouachita Baptist / Arkadelphia, Ark.

• Men’s Soccer: Nov 5 (Wed) 7 PM vs Oklahoma Christian / Springfield, Mo. Curry Sports Complex - Harrison Stadium***

• Men and Women’s Swim and Dive: Drury Invitational / Nov 7 (Fri) @ 4 p.m. and Nov 8 (Sat) at 9 a.m. / Breech Pool***

• Men’s Hockey D1: Nov 7 (Fri) & Nov 8 (Sat) at Illinois State / Normal, Ill.

• Volleyball: Nov 7 (Fri) 6 p.m. GLVC vs Maryville / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center***

• Men and Women’s Cross Country: Nov 8 (Sat) 11:15 AM NCAA-II Midwest Regional / Kenosha, Wis.

• Women’s Triathlon: Nov 8 (Sat) 11:30 AM (CST) NCAA National Championship / Tempe, Ariz.

• Volleyball: Nov 8 (Sat) 3 p.m. GLVC vs Missouri S&T / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center***

• Women’s Soccer: GLVC Quarterfinals Nov 9 (Sun) 12 PM at #4 Quincy / Quincy, Ill.

• Men’s Soccer: GLVC Tournament Nov 9 (Sun) 3:30 PM at #3 McKendree

• Women’s Basketball: Nov 11 (Tue) 5:45 PM vs William Woods Exhibition / Military and First Responder Appreciation Night / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center***

• Men’s Basketball: Nov 14 (Fri) 6 p.m. vs Ohio Dominican / Elsah, Ill.

• Volleyball: Nov 14 (Fri) 6 p.m. GLVC at Lewis / Romeoville, Ill.

• Men’s Hockey D3: Nov 14 (Fri) & Nov 15 (Sat) vs Missouri / Columbia, Mo.

• Men’s Wrestling: Nov 15 (Sat) 9 AM

  vs Drury Open / Springfield, Mo. Weiser Gym***

• Men’s Basketball: Nov 15 (Sat) 3 p.m. vs Thomas More / Elsah, Ill.

• Volleyball: Nov 15 (Sat) 3 p.m. GLVC at Indianapolis / Indianapolis, Ind.

• Women’s Basketball: Nov 16 (Sun) 1 PM (CST) at Ferris State / Big Rapids, Mich.

• Women’s Basketball: Nov 18 (Tue) 10 AM (CST) at Saginaw Valley State / Saginaw, Mich.

• Men’s Basketball: Nov 19 (Wed) 6 p.m. vs Ecclesia College / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center***

• Women’s Basketball: Nov 20 (Thu) 11 AM vs Texas A&M International Hiland Dairy Kids Day / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center***

• Men and Women’s Swim and Dive: SMU Invitational / Nov 20 (Thu) Nov 22 (Sat) / Dallas

• Men’s Hockey D1: Nov 21 (Fri) 7:30 PM vs Arizona State, Nov 22 (Sat) 3:10 PM vs Jamestown, & Nov 23 (Sun) 5:30 PM vs Ohio / Chicago, Ill.

• Men’s Hockey D3: Nov 21 (Fri) & Nov 22 (Sat) vs Kansas / Kansas City, Mo.

• Volleyball: GLVC Tournament Nov 21 (Fri) Nov 23 (Sun) TBA / Williamsville, Ill.

• Men’s Wrestling: Nov 22 (Sat) 9 AM at Kaufman Brand Bayly Open / Warrensburg, Mo.

• Men’s Basketball: Nov 22 (Sat) 5 p.m. vs Ozark Christian College / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center***

• Women’s Basketball: Nov 25 (Tue) 1 PM Truman St. vs Ark.-Ft. Smith / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center, & 5:45 PM vs Missouri Southern / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center***

• Men’s Basketball: DoubleTree by Hilton Thanksgiving Classic / Nov 25 (Tue) 7:45 p.m. vs Concordia-St. Paul / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center***

• Women’s Basketball: Nov 26 (Wed) 1 PM Truman St. vs Mo. Southern / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center, & 5:45 PM / vs Arkansas-Fort Smith***

• Men’s Basketball: Nov 26 (Wed) 7:45 p.m. vs Central Missouri / Springfield, Mo. O’Reilly Family Event Center***

• Drury International partnered with Fulbright Taiwan to help celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival with the Drury community!

• Cheered on Drury Baseball as they played in the annual Battle for Bell tournament to help fight the battle against ALS!

• Hosted the annual Banned Book Reading at Olin Terrace

• Had a wonderful fall break!

• Continued the Meador Lecture Series!

• Welcomed families and potential panther’s on campus for our annual Architecture Day!

• Cheered on all our fall athletes as conference begins to close and the division championships start up, as well as begun cheering on our winter athletes!

• Got SPOOKY and celebrated Drury’s Fall Fest!

Events Looking Forward:

• November 7th / Last Day to Withdraw from a Course – Full Semester – 5 p.m.

• November 26th - 30th / Thanksgiving Break – No Classes

• December 8th - 12th / Finals Week – (Final Exam Schedule)

The exhibition will run through December 19th.

About the Artist

Lauren Falk brings a distinctive perspective to her work as a former Marine Corps combat photographer. Her unique background informs a practice that seamlessly weaves together contemporary photography with historical alternative printing processes, particularly the delicate art of salted-paper printing—one of photography’s earliest techniques.

Details at a Glance

Date: Friday, October 24th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Lyceum Gallery, Olin Library
Admission: Free and open to all

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a supporter of veteran artists, or simply curious about innovative approaches to image-making, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with work that carries both technical mastery and emotional depth.

We hope to see you there as we celebrate Lauren Falk’s remarkable artistic vision.

When: Wednesday, October 22, at 5:30 PM
Where: The Lyceum, upper floor of Olin Library

Meet Dr. Ken Rutherford

Dr. Ken Rutherford, a professor at James Madison University and formerly of Missouri State University, will present on “The Deadly Legacy of Conflict.” His talk will draw from his extensive research, his leadership in the global movement to ban landmines and cluster munitions, and his powerful advocacy for survivors of indiscriminate weapons of war.

Dr. Rutherford’s expertise is born from both scholarship and profound personal experience. While working for the International Rescue Committee in Somalia, he lost both legs in a landmine accident. Since then, he has dedicated his career to raising national and international awareness about the devastating impact of landmines. His work has included collaboration with notable figures such as Princess Diana in the campaign to ban these weapons.

This promises to be a moving and enlightening presentation from someone who has transformed personal tragedy into global advocacy. We hope to see you there!

• Drury International went to Andys! Thanks to our local partner, we were able to take 30+ international students and friends to Andy’s, each with a coupon for a free custard!

• Launched the Meador Lecture Series!

• All of our students settled on campus as our largest day school enrollment in the past five years!

• Celebrated the dedication of the newly renamed Mercy Science Center!

• Celebrated 152 years of Drury University!

• Welcomed families on campus for our annual Family Day!

• Cheered on all our fall athletes!

Important Reminders:

• Students get 12 months of Google Gemini AI free when they sign up with their @drury.edu email by October 6th.

• The tutoring center is now open!

  • Located in first floor of OEC in room 135.

  • Tutoring is available in the following subjects: Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, French, History, Math & Statistics, Music Theory, Political Science, Spanish, and Writing.

  • You can check out the current schedule on the @druryinternational Substack or instagram pages, or by searching “tutoring” or “writing center” on the university webpage. You can also reach out to professors for more information as well.

Events Looking Forward:

• Friday, October 3rd, 9-2:30 / Architecture Day

• Thursday, October 2nd, 11-2:30 / Banned Book Reading at Olin Terrace

• Monday, October 6th, 11-1 / Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration outside the commons.

• Soak Up Springfield! Wednesday, October 8th, 11:30-1:30 / Business and Non-profit showcase at FSC Circle.

Banned Books Week reminds us of the ongoing importance of intellectual freedom and the right to access diverse perspectives through literature. By gathering to read from challenged and banned books, we affirm our commitment to open inquiry and the free exchange of ideas that are central to academic life.

Event Highlights

Come and Go Throughout the Day
Stop by anytime between 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM to enjoy short readings from banned and challenged books. With all time slots filled, there are three-and-a-half hours of compelling literature lined up! The event will take place on the Olin Terrace, just outside the library. In the unlikely event of inclement weather, the event will move inside to Sunderland Lyceum. Check for updates Thursday morning if needed.

Free Refreshments
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, water, snacks, and pastries while you listen.

$1 Raffle for Great Prizes
Support Sigma Tau Delta by entering their raffle—just $1 for a chance to win one of ten fantastic prizes.

Book Drive for Little Free Libraries
Help give back to the community! Sigma Tau Delta is collecting gently used books for all ages to support the Little Free Libraries of Midtown. Donation boxes will be available at the event and placed around campus throughout the week.

Event Contributors

This event wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the Sigma Tau Delta officers: Noel Davis, Jessalyn Gann, Gracie Limmer, Amber Bucy, Mason Leach, Mitch Van Cleave, Preston Dotson, Mackenzie Richardson, Mallorie Shelton, and Zach Stockton. These students represent not just the English and Writing departments, but also Languages, Film Studies, Graphic Design, History, Philosophy, Communications, Women and Gender Studies, Behavioral Sciences, and Biochemistry.

Special thanks also go out to Katherine Bohnenkamper, Bill Garvin, Lori Sechler, and Fresh Ideas for their support in making this event possible.

Event Details

When: Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Where: Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Drury University campus Location: Between the Mercy Science Center (formerly Trustee Science Center) and Shewmaker Communication Center on Drury Lane Admission: Free and open to the public – no ticket required

“Preserving History in Polarized Times”

Dr. Shogan will address one of the most pressing challenges of our era: how we preserve and interpret historical records when society itself seems increasingly divided. As someone who has stood at the helm of America’s most important repository of historical documents, her insights into this topic are both timely and essential.

Her expertise comes not just from her groundbreaking role at the National Archives, but also from her extensive academic background. Dr. Shogan holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Yale University and has authored “The Moral Rhetoric of American Presidents” (Texas A&M University Press, 2007), along with numerous academic articles and eight crime novels.

Recent Media Spotlight

Dr. Shogan’s work continues to resonate in national conversations about history and democracy. She was recently featured on PBS for Constitution Day on September 17, offering her perspective on the enduring relevance of America’s founding documents. Additionally, The New York Times featured her insights in a recent article exploring the very themes she’ll be discussing during her visit to Drury.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s leading voices on historical preservation and civic responsibility. Join us for what promises to be an enlightening evening that will challenge us all to think more deeply about how we preserve our past for future generations.

For more information about the Meador Center and upcoming events, visit Drury University’s website or contact the Meador Center directly.

“Drury’s significant increase in our undergraduate and graduate enrollment is a reminder that in an often cold and impersonal world, students crave a closer connection to each other and to a campus that knows them as a name and not a number,” Drury President Jeff Frederick said. “The tremendous value of a Drury experience will pay off for decades ahead, a testament to all our university does to create a comprehensive and yet affordable experience that makes for talented, adaptable graduates, ready to take on the world.”

Day School enrollment showed a nearly five percent increase from 2024 (1,453 from 1,391), while the PA program nearly doubled its numbers from a year ago (107 from 69). The PA program, in just its third year, has seen incredible growth since its inception, as the initial cohort started with just 29 students in 2023.

New student enrollment increased by nearly 10 percent from 432 in 2024 to 473 in 2025, one of the largest first-year classes in a decade. Those numbers do not include foreign exchange or visiting students. Enrollment numbers for the College of Graduate Studies saw a 12 percent increase (245 from 215), while Drury’s College of Continuing Professional Studies (Drury GO) experienced a slight dip.

A large part of Drury’s overall enrollment increase is owed to the success of the Drury Springfield Promise, which reinforces Drury’s commitment to the Greater Springfield region. More than 200 students took advantage of the first-year program, which is designed to make a Drury education more affordable for bright students regardless of their financial situation.

Founded in 1873 as the first higher educational institute in Springfield, Drury has grown from a small school with just a handful of students to a thriving university with a dynamic student body and a broad range of academic programs.

###

Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu

More at Drury.edu

I recently saw a new computer science graduate share their frustration about the job search on LinkedIn. They’re losing faith, and honestly, I get it. Twenty-five years ago, I watched my own industry shift beneath my feet as new technologies made entire roles obsolete. That feeling of preparing for one world only to graduate into another—I remember it viscerally.

I don’t have all the answers or some magical framework that makes this easier. What I want to share are lessons learned about building what I call a “second safety net”—not a backup plan exactly, but a different way of thinking about career resilience. These reflections come from my own journey through four career shifts in the past 25 years, and my experience as an international admission counselor since early 2020.

What I Learned

When my industry shifted 25 years ago, I spent months trying to force my way back into roles that no longer existed. The breakthrough came when I stopped thinking about jobs and started asking different questions: “What problems can I solve?” and “What value can I create?” This shift took years of stumbling and experimenting. I was fortunate to have mentors who helped me see connections between seemingly unrelated experiences. Design skills from one role became user experience expertise in another. The ability to explain complex grammatical concepts translated into corporate training and development. Each transition taught me that skills are more portable than we think—if we learn to translate them.

Five Years of Watching Students Navigate Change

What strikes me most about today’s students is how they instinctively understand something it took me years to learn: the need for range. The student exploring criminology, business, and theater isn’t confused—he’s building adaptability before he even knows he needs it.

International students especially embody this adaptability, constantly navigating between cultures, languages, and educational systems. They’re already practicing what all careers increasingly demand: the ability to translate value across contexts.

For the computer science graduate losing faith: yes, entry-level coding jobs are increasingly automated or offshored. That’s brutal and real. But there’s another path. Just as design and theater students build public portfolios early, CS students can leverage AI as a powerful tool rather than viewing it as competition. Share your projects online. Use AI to amplify your capabilities. Document your problem-solving process, not just your code. The opportunities are shifting toward those who combine technical knowledge with human judgment—technical writing, implementation support, AI-assisted development, and roles we haven’t even imagined yet.

Building Your Second Safety Net

Again, the “second safety net” isn’t about having a Plan B career. It’s about developing a mindset and practices that create options:

• Widen your peripheral vision: Pay attention to problems in industries you wouldn’t normally consider. Your skills might solve problems in unexpected places.

• Document everything: Every project, skill, and random capability. My most unexpected opportunities came from odd combinations of experience.

• Practice translation: Can you explain technical concepts to non-technical people? Show how humanities backgrounds apply to business problems? This becomes crucial when industries shift.

• Build bridges before you need them: Informational conversations, genuine LinkedIn connections, curiosity about what people actually do. Opportunities come from weak ties, not job boards.

The Tension We Must Name

There’s real tension between “follow your passion” and “pay your rent.” When facing student loans and a tough market, passion feels like luxury. I’ve taken jobs I didn’t love to maintain stability while building toward something better. That’s not failure—it’s strategy.

Sometimes your purpose becomes clearer through elimination. Learning what you don’t want can be as valuable as knowing what you do want. The path is rarely direct, and that’s okay.

What Career Transitions Have Taught Me

The landscape will keep shifting. AI is reshaping computer science today; it will transform other fields tomorrow. I don’t believe that any specific degree guarantees security.

But here’s what 25 years and four career shifts have taught me: The disruption itself isn’t the real challenge—it’s the identity crisis that comes with it.

• When your job title disappears, who are you?

• When your industry transforms, what’s your value?

The people who navigate this successfully don’t just build new skills—they develop what I call “professional polyglotism.” Like speaking multiple languages, they learn to operate in multiple professional contexts simultaneously. They might be a data analyst on Monday, a project coordinator on Wednesday, and a customer insights specialist on Friday—not because they’re unfocused, but because they understand that value creation doesn’t fit in neat boxes anymore.

To that computer science graduate: Your technical knowledge isn’t worthless because entry-level jobs are scarce. The challenge—and I know this is hard when you’re in it—is figuring out where else that knowledge creates value. Sometimes it’s in places you’d never expect.

Moving Forward Together

• For those who’ve navigated career disruptions: What helped you build your second safety net? What do you wish someone had told you in the midst of it?

• For those currently facing uncertainty: What’s most challenging about translating your capabilities into this market?

• And for myself: What would I do if I faced sudden change in my career tomorrow? The question keeps me honest about maintaining my own safety net.

Remember: resilience isn’t built in crisis—it’s built in the small, consistent actions we take when things feel stable. Start building yours today.

P.S. To all the students I’ve worked with over five years at Drury, including those who’ve moved on: I hope this helps. I know it’s “easier said than done”—it always is until you start doing it.

Our conversation dove deep into identity and purpose. We explored why he’d shifted from pre-med to fields rooted in psychology, sociology, and communication. We discussed how business and public policy shape our daily experiences, and why giving back matters so much to him.

We discussed how theater serves as a unique laboratory to experiment with and examine personal confidence—exploring how it influences performance, shapes peer dynamics, builds empathy, and enhances communication. The rehearsal room becomes a space where skills develop that transfer everywhere: active listening, navigating status shifts, taking different perspectives, and receiving clear feedback. These same skills show up in classrooms, on teams, and in community work.

This conversation reminded me of a renewed approach of helping students articulate their North Star—that underlying purpose connecting the fields of their choices—becomes the key to understanding how their chosen fields of study can work together. Starting with identity and purpose, then mapping interests and trends to potential majors, minors, and certificates, creates clearer pathways. Leveraging Your Drury Fusion’s real-world project components to test these connections and building experience through creative work, research, service, and internship to create momentum. Throughout this process, we cultivate the habit of reflecting on small wins and setbacks to build readiness for what’s ahead.

“And” wins when disciplines converge on purpose.

Note: The North Star itself shifts as we gain new vantage points—requiring continuous recalibration as we move forward, just like navigators adjusting course based on changing positions and clearer views of the horizon.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

#admission #advising #YourDruryFusion #IdentityAndPurpose #DruryUniversity #DruryInternational #goPanthers

Event Details

When: Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM
Where: Downtown on Walnut Street
Cost: $5

For only five dollars, you'll get access to two full days of cider-themed fun right in the heart of our downtown district. Whether you're looking to explore local flavors, hang out with friends, or just enjoy a relaxing weekend activity, Cider Days offers something for everyone.

The event runs from 10 AM to 5 PM both days, giving you plenty of flexibility to stop by when it works with your schedule. Plus, Walnut Street is easily accessible whether you're walking, biking, or taking public transit from campus. No need to worry about parking or long commutes.

Don't let this affordable, local event pass you by. Grab your friends, bring your appetite for adventure (and cider!), and head downtown to Walnut Street this weekend.

See you there!

For more information visit their Facebook page or their website.

Remember: The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM on Walnut Street downtown. Weekend passes are just $5!

When Ana first arrived at Drury University as an international student from Brazil, she could have easily stayed in her comfort zone. Instead, she chose to dive headfirst into campus life, and two years later, she's become a shining example of how embracing new experiences can transform your college journey.

A Passion for Science and Solving Crime

As a sophomore biochemistry major, Ana is passionate about science and supporting women in STEM. Her dream is to pursue her PHD in Forensic Toxicology. This is why her favorite element is Arsenic (As), a tasteless and odorless poison used in the 1800s. Due to its properties, crimes involving arsenic were very difficult to solve. In response, James Marsh created a reliable test for arsenic, one of the first toxicology tests invented, and opened up doors in the field of forensic toxicology. Like James Marsh, Ana wants to use science as a way to help solve crimes and provide justice by uncovering the truth.

Building Community Through Involvement

Ana's campus involvement reads like a testament to her diverse interests and commitment to growth. She's an active member of the American Chemical Society, where she connects with fellow science enthusiasts, and Alpha Lambda Delta, the freshman honor society. Recently, she joined Drury's new feminist club to “meet cool, powerful women" – a decision that speaks to her desire to build meaningful connections across different communities.

Her leadership experience as an Orientation Leader helped her give back to incoming students, while her role as a Teaching Assistant for General Chemistry Lab allows her to share her passion for chemistry with her peers. Additionally, she's involved in research with Dr. Manpadi, gaining hands-on experience that's shaping her understanding of scientific inquiry.

Wisdom from Experience

When asked what advice she'd give to incoming freshmen and international students, Ana's response is both simple and profound: "Don't be scared." Drawing from her own experience, she emphasizes that life is so much better when you go out of your shell to meet people.

Her specific recommendation? "Go to a hockey game!" Ana discovered that attending Drury hockey games was one of her favorite ways to connect with fellow students and experience American college culture.

This advice carries extra weight coming from someone who made the leap from Brazil to Missouri, navigating not just a new university but an entirely different culture. Her success in building a rich campus life demonstrates that the courage to step outside your comfort zone truly pays off.

Looking Ahead

As Ana continues her sophomore year, she has clear goals in sight. She's focused on increasing her GPA while simultaneously getting more involved in research opportunities. This balance between academic excellence and hands-on scientific experience reflects her serious commitment to her future in biochemistry.

Ana's story reminds us that sometimes the best way to find your place is to step boldly into unfamiliar territory – and trust that the connections and experiences that follow will be worth the initial leap of faith.

Ana represents the vibrant international community at Drury University, where students from around the world come together to pursue their academic passions and build lasting connections.