The University of Missouri, commonly known as Mizzou, offers a variety of promotional opportunities and benefits for its community members, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni. These offerings range from athletic giveaways and event promotions to community-driven fundraisers and employee-specific perks. While the concept of "freebies" often extends to consumer product samples, the available information focuses primarily on university-sponsored events, internal benefits, and local community partnerships. This guide details the verified promotional offers and benefits available through the university and associated organizations, based on official sources.
Athletic Promotions and Giveaways
Mizzou Athletics provides numerous promotional opportunities for fans attending home games and events. These promotions typically involve giveaway items and special events designed to enhance the game-day experience.
Volleyball Promotional Calendar
The Mizzou Volleyball program maintains a structured promotional calendar for the 2025 season. According to official documentation, all promotions are subject to change, and giveaway items are distributed while supplies last. A consistent feature of home matches is the post-match autograph session, which occurs following every home match. This provides fans with direct interaction with the team. While specific details of individual game giveaways are not detailed in the provided source, the existence of a formal promotional calendar indicates a regular schedule of fan engagement activities.
Basketball Injury Recovery and Fan Engagement
While not a traditional "freebie" in the consumer sense, the story of basketball guard Jayden Stone highlights an aspect of university sports that resonates with fans. Following a scary injury, Stone’s return to play is described as a "big freebie" for the team, emphasizing the value of a healthy roster. Stone, a transfer player known for his scoring ability, has been carefully managed by the university's medical staff with frequent MRIs to ensure his health. His performance in an exhibition win against Kansas State, where he scored 16 points in 18 minutes, demonstrates his readiness. The university's cautious approach to player health and the optimistic outlook for the season serve as an intangible benefit to the fan base.
Community Fundraising and Free Events
Student-led initiatives at the University of Missouri focus on community support and fundraising, often utilizing free or low-cost items to drive participation.
Fighting Pretty Mizzou
The Fighting Pretty Mizzou organization is a student-led brand ambassador team established in 2019. Their mission is to help women battling cancer feel strong and beautiful. Since its inception, the organization has impacted hundreds of women and engaged over 100 students. They have raised over $5,000 to support their efforts in Missouri.
Key programs run by Fighting Pretty Mizzou include: * Make It Count March Fundraiser: Held during the month of March, this spring fundraiser aims to raise money to send "Pretty Packages" to women battling cancer in Columbia, Missouri. * Cancer Succks: During the spring semester, the organization sells succulents on campus. The proceeds from these sales help fund the creation of the Pretty Packages.
These initiatives provide opportunities for the university community to purchase items that directly support a local cause, functioning as a form of charitable "freebie" where the purchase supports a greater good.
Employee and Faculty Benefits
The University of Missouri offers a comprehensive benefits package for its faculty and staff, including access to various campus resources and discounts with local businesses.
General Employee Benefits
Systemwide benefits available to employees include: * University Concert Series: Sponsors concerts and recitals throughout the year. * Adaptive Computing Technology Center (ACT): Provides access to computing resources for people with disabilities. * Columbia Missourian: Access to the professional daily newspaper produced by the School of Journalism. * Division of IT Training: Free training on technology topics and software. * MU Info: Email updates of campus events and activities. * MU Alumni Association: Membership includes discounts on food, lodging, transportation, clothing, auto, hardware/appliances, entertainment, and health/fitness. * Police Department: Offers free bicycle registration and personal-defense programs. * School of Music: Provides non-credit, applied music instruction for personal enrichment. * Small Business Development Center: Offers free management and technical assistance. * University Libraries: Free access for employees with an MU ID card. * Bucks Ice Cream: Home of the Missouri Tiger Stripe Ice Cream. * Mizzou Meat Market: Varieties of beef, pork, and lamb cuts at special prices. * The Mizzou Store: Merchandise purchasing opportunities.
MU-Specific Perks and Attractions
In addition to systemwide benefits, faculty and staff at MU have access to specific perks and discounts: * MizzouRec: Discounted monthly and annual membership options for fitness classes and intramural league participation. * Kansas City Zoo: A $10 discount on premier level memberships by sponsoring the Sumatran Tiger exhibit. The discount code "MIZZOU" is required at checkout. * Intercollegiate Athletics: Access to tickets for sporting events. * School of Music: Sponsors concerts and recitals, many with free admission. * Theatre Department: Discounts available for selected events for MU faculty, staff, and senior citizens.
Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts
While not directly affiliated with the university, local businesses in Columbia and mid-Missouri offer significant freebies and discounts to veterans, which is relevant to the Mizzou community given the university's population of student veterans and veteran employees.
Participating Local Businesses
On Veterans Day, various businesses honor veterans and active military members with free meals and discounts. Proof of service or a valid military ID is typically required. * Applebee's: Offers a free meal from an exclusive menu and a $5 gift card for the next visit. * Arby's: Provides a free classic roast beef sandwich for active and retired military members in uniform. * Big Daddy's BBQ: Veterans receive half-price meals. * Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries. * Chicken Salad Chick: Provides a free meal. * Hy-Vee: Hosts an annual Veterans Day buffet-style breakfast and offers 15% off groceries. * IHOP: Serves free red, white, and blue pancakes.
Conclusion
The "freebies" associated with the University of Missouri are primarily centered around athletic promotions, student-led community fundraising, and extensive benefits for faculty and staff. While consumer product samples are not detailed in the provided sources, the university ecosystem offers tangible value through event giveaways, charitable purchasing opportunities, and discounts with local and national partners. For the Mizzou community, these benefits enhance the campus experience and provide financial savings. Prospective participants should always verify current availability, as promotions and benefits are subject to change.