Elizabeth Trovall played the title character in the MU production of Eurydice. The scholarships she has received have allowed her to participate in several plays, workshops, festivals and other extracurricular activities. Photo by Mallory Taulbee
There is a lot more to college than studying. Those years are a time to learn about yourself, participate in charitable organizations, form relationships that will last a lifetime, and discover hobbies. All of these things can be difficult to balance when you wonder how you are going to pay your tuition. Elizabeth Trovall, a junior double major in theater performance and radio broadcast, is thankful for the scholarships she has received.
Originally from Pflugerville, Texas, Trovall was lured to MU because of its reputation in the fields she is pursuing, but the out-of-state tuition hit her parents really hard. She was faced with having to either take out large student loans or spend most of her free time working. Instead, Trovall is able to perform in main-stage productions, organize department activities including workshops and short play festivals, and report for KBIA, the local National Public Radio station. All of these activities are giving her valuable experience and knowledge she will use in her future career.
“I called my parents immediately when I was told I received the Luverne Walton Scholarship,” says Trovall. “This scholarship has allowed me to continue to work with my extracurricular programs and focus on my studies.”
The Luverne Walton Scholarship was created to recognize Professor Walton’s contributions to gender equity on campus. Walton, the first woman at MU to hold a regular appointment in central administration, played a crucial role in developing a formal women’s studies program and in fighting gender discrimination. The scholarship that bears her name is awarded to undergraduate students who have demonstrated a commitment to the study of women and to gender equity.
“My favorite teacher at Mizzou has truly changed my life,” says Trovall. “She taught me how to think critically about literature and speak specifically about a text. Without Luverne Walton’s work improving the lives of female professors on campus and helping to develop the women’s and gender studies program, this opportunity for me may never have surfaced.”
Trovall has participated in the Troubling Violence Performance Project, performing monologues that raise awareness of violence against women and open up a dialogue in which these situations can be discussed. Being involved in the troupe combines Trovall’s passion for women’s issues and her love of theater.
“I strongly believe that I am contributing to women and gender equity by proving myself as a hardworking, competent, and compassionate leader,” she says.
At this point, her plans are to work as a reporter for National Public Radio or work in the theater as an actress, dramaturge, or marketing director. Next year she will apply to graduate school and pursue other opportunities that encompass both of her majors.
“Ultimately, I hope to use my communication skills to contribute to the human tradition of storytelling, and through this tradition help pursue social justice, including the advancement of women in society,” says Trovall.
She serves on the Relay For Life committee of the American Cancer Society’s largest fundraiser, and she is president of Alpha Psi Omega, an honorary theater society. Trovall realizes that she is able to spend this time working on academic and extracurricular activities only because of the scholarships she receives. She says she is beginning to realize that the opportunity to advance your mind is a gift, not a right, and she doesn’t take the gift for granted.
“The more I value and celebrate my education, the more I value and celebrate the doors opened by the monetary donations I’ve received such as the Luverne Walton Scholarship,” says Trovall. “I believe in the power of educated minds. I hope to use this power to reveal truths about the human condition, and, in doing so, encourage others to live a compassionate life filled with enthusiasm.”
Luverne Walton passed away in 1997, but her legacy continues with her scholarship, and Trovall is grateful to the people responsible for setting up this fund.
“I thank you for the support of my education, says Trovall. “It’s a precious gift that I take very personally.”
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