Scott Cytron

Born in Dallas, Texas, Scott Cytron experienced both a new state and four different seasons during his freshman year at the University of Missouri-Columbia. "There were a lot of great memories," Scott said. Alongside great memories were also challenges. "While I excelled in English literature and journalism courses, I suffered in most other classes outside the J-School." Scott's advisor and professor, Don Ranly, had high hopes for the young student. "He thought I'd make it in the real world. I've never forgotten the confidence he had in me."

When asked what led him to his specific area of study, Scott said, "I was always interested in writing. I aced all essays in high school. And when I took a high school journalism class, I was hooked. I looked around for journalism programs and discovered MU through a family friend who had gone there for a few years. I applied and was very grateful when I was accepted."

During his education at MU, Scott learned from influential staff and faculty members who he credits as his reason to give back to MU. Scott acknowledges Walter C. Daniel, PhD, as his inspiration in college. Daniel, professor emeritus in the department of English, taught African American literature and was the University of Missouri's first vice chancellor. As Daniel's research assistant for two years, Scott spent his time helping with research and administration work.

"We spent hours and hours discussing everything from great literature to world politics—and even after I graduated, we kept in close touch. As a result of our friendship and my admiration for him, my estate planning includes a scholarship program for disadvantaged students set up in his name."

As for future students, Scott said, "I don't think anyone is truly prepared for college, no matter what kind of advanced classes or training you might have in high school. Network and meet with your friends who are already in college to get a taste for what college life is really like. For graduates, intern as much as possible. Remember that the MU degree will open doors, so pursue your passion and you'll land on your feet. Don't give up."

Through networking, Scott landed a job he didn't expect. His first job out of college was at the American Red Cross in Dallas, Texas, as the assistant public relations director. Scott recalled, "I graduated and wanted to be a magazine editor, but there were no entry-level jobs for that—and I had to eat! It was June 1982 and jobs were not plentiful by any means. I went on a lot of interviews, but nothing came about. So I began volunteering my time at United Way in Dallas just to have something to do between interviews. I visited local agencies and wrote short articles for the United Way newsletter. However, one day the PR director at United Way approached me and told me he heard there was an opening at the Red Cross." Scott's involvement in philanthropy began at a young age and ultimately led him to the foundation of his career.

Today, Scott works side by side with his son at his firm, Cytron and Company in Dallas. "My son works with me in my firm full-time, and our clients like him better than they like me. Seriously, I never thought he'd work with me, but we make a great team—and I'm grateful that I get to see him every day. It's a gift."

Scott's experience with the giving process opened his eyes to how gifts can support student success during his lifetime. "MU makes it incredibly easy to give. Giving to MU is meaningful to me because I want to see future students excel and have all the opportunities they can, whether that's in the form of scholarships, improved academics and facilities, or something else. In my case, I always gave to the J-School and am a Life Member of the Alumni Association, but it wasn't until I met one on one with the Office of Gift Planning and Regional Advancement that I realized what I could do for someone else's future." Scott's gift to the University of Missouri-Columbia is in the form of an IRA beneficiary. His scholarships support both journalism (magazine) and arts and science (memorial).