Unions' Public Art Blog

Big MO is the newest addition to the Missouri Student Unions collection of art and Mizzou artifacts! After a long career on the Mizzou football field, Big MO has retired above the Student Center entrance by Mort's Cafe: Big MO , 1981, 72” bass drum, Graciously donated by Marching Mizzou (originally donated to MU by the Mizzou Tiger Club - St. Louis). A loud and proud tradition at Mizzou from 1981 through today, the Big MO bass drum merrily and raucously signals MU touchdowns at football games. Before coming to MU, the inaugural Big MO (1981-2011, on display here) built up a rather a lively pedigree, including carnival appearances and theatrical productions around the Chicago area. After receiving a tip about the large drum and its whereabouts, Mizzou Quarterback Club - St. Louis (now Mizzou Tiger Club - St. Louis) generously purchased it as a gift for Marching Mizzou. Standing at six-foot tall and weighing approximately 150 lbs., the original Big MO was t...

A new display celebrating Mort Walker at Mizzou is up on the main floor of the Student Center. Appropriately, the display case is located right outside the door to the new Shack. To read more about Mort Walker at Mizzou, click here.

Because many of our displays utilize the Missouri Student Unions’ collection of Savitar yearbooks, I thought I might say a few quick words about its history. As always, our Savitar collection is on display in the Lower Lair Lounge of the New Student Center. Enjoy! About Our Savitar Collection: It is with much fear and trembling that we submit our maiden effort to the mercies of a critical world, but the love of our Alma Mater and the thought of after years spurs us on. –A hopeful greeting from the editors of the inaugural 1895 Savitar . The Student Center proudly owns a nearly complete (and growing) set of Savitar annuals, the student run University of Missouri yearbook published from 1894 through 2005. This collection provides a glimpse into the academic and social lives of Mizzou students, faculty, and staff members throughout the decades by offering texts and photographs of individuals, organizations, athletic teams, students participating in extracurricular event...