Once again, the Truman School is well-represented among the recipients of the prestigious Mizzou 18 awards, with Truman School students Ann Obadan and Mark Bremer among the 2022 honorees.
The Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board presents the awards to eighteen graduate students in their last year of degree eligibility. Students are chosen for their world-class research, collaboration with faculty and staff, and their demonstrated leadership with undergraduate students. Each honoree also chooses one faculty or staff member as a mentor, to be recognized for the impact they have made in the lives of MU students.
A PhD student in public affairs, Ann Obadan is from Edo State, Nigeria and is the daughter of Mercillina and Larry Obadan. “It is such a privilege to be selected as a Mizzou 18 award recipient given what the award represents--excellence in academics, research, collaboration and leadership,” said Obadan. “This award is as much a recognition for my mentor, Dr. Oded Gurantz, who has supported me through the process of being an excellent scholar, researcher and leader in Mizzou." Obadan also noted the efforts of TSGPA faculty and staff and the many opportunities she had to grow her research, academic and leadership profile. "I am thankful to God, and for the support of my family and communities within Mizzou which has contributed to helping me thrive," said Obadan.
Ann is the Director of Professional Development for the Graduate Professional Council (GPC), an Advisory Board Member to the MU AFRICA Interdisciplinary Hub as well as the African Graduate Professional Student Association (AGPSA), a Graduate Research Assistant and a researcher with the Truman School’s Institute of Public Policy among other roles.
A dual MPA/MPH student, Mark Bremer is from Springfield, Missouri, and is the son of Rachelle and Gerald Bremer. “In my opinion, Mizzou 18 is a tribute to the cross-collaboration and education one gets through the Truman School,” said Bremer. “Bringing together leadership, research, and endless opportunities for others is at the heart of what it means to be a servant leader, which is what the Mizzou 18 award highlights.”
Bremer further noted, “I'm very grateful for all the Truman School faculty and staff who helped me get to this point in my career and taught me how to use my talents to serve the State of Missouri.” Bremer is currently the Co-President of OutGrad, and a GRA in the Department of Health Sciences working with Department Chair Dr. Li-Wu Chen on Medicaid Expansion Research. Bremer chose Kenna Cornelius as his mentor.
