Published on May 14, 2025
By Jake Aron and Kaleigh Ibarra
The Center for Academic Success and Excellence (CASE) kicked off its annual Salute to Excellence ceremony, honoring graduating scholars at the Reynolds Alumni Center. CASE Scholars are students who earned the Diversity, KC Scholars, Donald M. Suggs, and George C. Brooks awards during their undergraduate tenure at the University of Missouri.
Carrington Peavy
Diversity Scholar
Major: Journalism, Broadcast emphasis
Minors: Social justice and Criminology
Multicultural Certificate
Carrington Peavy ventured all the way from Cleveland, Ohio to the School of Journalism. A reporter at KOMU-8, Peavy shared how integral CASE is to Mizzou, noting if it hadn’t been for them, she would not be here today.
“Through the financial and the social support they provided,” Peavy said, “I was able to thrive, succeed and grow at Mizzou using all of the resources that were provided to me.”
Far from home, Peavy found support in the community she built at Mizzou and through CASE. She particularly valued her monthly meetings with Andre Thorn, director of CASE, where they discussed her freshman year challenges and helpful resources.
Following graduation, Peavy will be heading to Atlanta to work at CNN as a News Associate on a 12-month rotational fellowship.
Tim Healy
Diversity Scholar
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Aerospace
Tim Healy expressed how much it meant to him to be recognized as a CASE scholar, and how special it felt to be standing in that room.
“It’s a good feeling to recognize a diverse group of people for the having the resilience needed get through college and come out stronger on the other side,” Healy said. “I can honestly say, I am even more happy for everyone in the room with me.”
During his time at Mizzou, Healy was a project manager for the Mizzou Space Program where his team placed fifth at the Argonia Cup for launching a rocket over 8,000 feet and dropping a golf ball as close to a target as possible.
Healy will be working in St. Louis as a Fire Protection and Pipe Corrosion engineer after graduation.
Alejandro Monge
KC Scholar
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Construction Management
Alejandro Monge is grateful for the financial support and additional resources that CASE offered. As a first-generation student, he relied on CASE for mentorship and guidance throughout his academic career.
“I’m just really thankful to be a CASE scholar because it has helped me from my freshman year to now.” Monge said.
After graduation, Monge will be attending graduate school through the Accelerated master’s program.
Olivia Prudhomme
Brooks Scholar
Major: Business Administration, Marketing emphasis
Minors: Sociology and Entrepreneurship
When Olivia Prudhomme was choosing colleges, she hadn’t considered Mizzou until her father encouraged her to visit. As soon as she stepped foot on campus, she received an email that she received the Brooks Scholarship from CASE, which covered most of her tuition.
Feeling seen, Prudhomme instantly felt called to Mizzou, and Columbia started to feel like home. Mizzou soon became the top choice, and looking back, she can confidently say she made the right decision.
As a CASE Scholar, she not only received financial support but was also emotionally equipped and made connections with the right people and gained access to the resources needed to succeed. From cohort meetings to 1:1 check-ins, CASE faculty and staff made sure she was on the right track and always let her know where to look for help if she needed it.
“CASE helped me find my sense of belonging with people who shared similar experiences as me.”
After she graduates, she will be moving to St. Louis to work in Risk Consulting at a Big 4 accounting firm called EY.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Dr. Angela King Taylor offered a congratulatory toast to the scholars for their achievements.
“You navigated challenges, embraced opportunities, and emerged stronger and wiser,” Dr. Taylor affirmed. “Your journey through Mizzou and the CASE program has equipped you with invaluable skills and knowledge, preparing you to make a significant impact in your future careers.”
She encouraged the students to take pride in all their accomplishments, both large and small, and specifically highlighted their creativity, problem-solving skills, commitment, curiosity, and dedication to building a better world. Furthermore, she called on them to remember and cherish the lessons learned and friendships forged at Mizzou and within CASE as they begin their next chapter.
“Cherish these memories and insights, carry them forward, and let them inspire you to continued greatness,” she said. “You have earned this celebration. May your future be filled with endless possibilities, and may you continue to shine brightly in all your endeavors.”
CASE celebrates the achievements of more than 180 graduating scholars this semester. Explore the campus resources and support services that helped them thrive: https://case.missouri.edu/