Member Spotlight: Maggie Meyer
To Maggie Meyer (BJ ’07) – a native of the Kansas City area - the world may seem like a blank canvas. As a graphic designer for Better Homes and Gardens magazine, she has certainly made it a beautiful one. However, as a philanthropist promoting a student scholarship at MU, Maggie has made it her own. Maggie describes her time at Mizzou, and how her experiences shaped not only her career, but her personal journey as well.
How were you involved as a student at MU?
I was in Kappa Alpha Theta, AASB, Mystical 7, Mortar Board, RAMS Steering Committee, Griffiths, and Relay for Life. One of the most memorable experiences was presenting at MAA sesquicentennial gala as part of AASB. As a daughter of two MU grads, I felt such a humbleness and sense of pride standing in front of a group that has promoted and supported Mizzou in such a remarkable way (the group included Norm and Virginia Stewart, John Anderson and numerous past MAA presidents). It made me all the more motivated to do more for Mizzou in the year to come.
Explain your role at Better Homes and Gardens.
I am a graphic designer/art director in the food department for the magazine. About half my time is spent art directing photo shoots (coordinating our photographer, food stylist, prop stylist) and the other half designing the pages that make up our magazine. It’s incredible all that happens between pitching story and what you see when you flip through the magazine!
How did your journalism degree prepare you for your job?
A big part of the reason I landed my job at Better Homes and Gardens was due to my BHG J-School experience**. Even though I work in the art department of the magazine, I was hired due to my ability to “think like an editor.” Since I was trained through the “Missouri Method” - working in every aspect of journalism - I had such a well-rounded background that I was a major asset to the BHG team.
What inspired you to start the Meggie Malm Scholarship?
I met Meggie when we were students in the Mystical 7 honorary society together. She was a selfless leader, humble, well-rounded and just a gold-hearted person. When Meggie died in a car accident in September of 2007, I wanted to honor her legacy. So, we sought support from local chapter members, friends and Mystical 7 alumni to create a scholarship in her name. I’m really proud of a fundraising brochure I worked on for the project, as it tells the story of Meggie’s life. It reminds people what a standout she was, how MU attracts students like her and, through scholarships, can continue to do so. With luck, the Meggie Malm Scholarship will soon be endowed and offering $1,000 scholarships every year.
What is your favorite aspect of the Griffiths Society?
The one-on-one connections. As a mentor, it’s such an amazing opportunity to encourage and support Mizzou’s most incredible women.
What advice would offer other women, especially those who want to make a difference or take on a leadership role in their communities?
Make connections with other women. You can’t do everything on your own. You’re only as strong as the people you put in your life to support you. Take a risk. Make a connection.
**Each year, magazine students spend a semester create magazine prototypes for the Meredith Corporation, parent company of Better Homes and Gardens. Their task not only entailed coming up with the publication’s look and content but also required them to consider the business end, including costs, circulation, advertising, websites and social media plans. The students then pitch their ideas and business plans to Meredith editors and designers at the company’s corporate offices in Des Moines. During the final presentations, Meredith editors offer constructive criticism, as well as gain a fresh perspective from students who are about to enter the profession.