Five Geography Undergrads Recognized in Fall 2020 Virtual Graduation Ceremony

Ashley Shelby

COVID-19 may have stopped in-person graduation ceremonies for the short-term, but it did not stop the excitement as more than 1,900 University of Missouri students were honored with 2,100-plus degrees in a virtual celebration, held Friday, Dec. 18. Among those recognized were five geography undergraduate students, who were among 1,540 MU students scheduled to receive bachelor’s degrees.

Geography undergrads scheduled for diplomas are Casey Carlisle (cum laude), Tianhao Li, Krystal Saverse (magna cum laude), Trevor Sellers and Ashley Shelby.

Shelby and Saverse were dealing with finals when contacted by the department, but took time anyway to answer a few questions about their experience in the Department of Geography while earning their four-year degrees.

Geography Department: What is your most important learning experience while at Mizzou?

Saverse: I’m not sure....

Shelby: My most important learning experience was that sometimes your original major doesn’t work out, and even though you might have been absolutely set on getting that degree, it’s okay to change! Sometimes it actually works out for the better and leads to some really important job connections.

Geography Department: What is your fondest memory in the geography department?

Saverse: Listening to Dr. Larsen read from his book about his Cheslatta experience.

Shelby: My fondest memory in geography is taking a class with Dr. Larsen. We got to walk around campus and actually see the things we were studying. I feel like that class taught me the most, and it was the most fun I have had! Plus, we got to explore some pretty cool and unique places.

Krystal Saverse

Geography Department: How did Mizzou prepare you for your career plans?

Saverse: I'm very fortunate to have worked at CGI. I think my time there has given me a lot of "real-world" experience using GIS.

Shelby: Mizzou prepared me for my career plans by not only providing me the information I needed to succeed, but also by providing me with a network of people. I felt like the teachers really helped me connect to some important places beyond the college.

Geography Department: What’s next?

Saverse: I plan on applying to a few GIS jobs and possibly going to grad school. I also want to travel as soon as it's safe to do so.

Shelby: Next up for me is getting the job. I’ve put in applications to some places I would love to work. I already have an interview coming up with the place I completed my internship with. I’ll finally get to be doing what I love and helping people in the community now that I have graduated.