Dear SEC,

Recently, my home, the University of Missouri, has been getting thrown under the bus. Apparently, it has become a trend to refer to Mizzou as “irrelevant" or “not a true member of the SEC." I'm not telling you this because I'm hurt or bothered by such statements: I'm just telling you because you need to check your facts.

Most southerners seem to ignore our success in the powerful SEC football conference. We have taken home the SEC East Championship for two straight seasons now and we trail only Alabama and Auburn for most wins in the SEC over the past few years. In the most powerful football conference in the Nation, I would consider that an accomplishment.

If sports don't sway you, maybe our “northern" location will. Located in the beautiful city of Columbia, Missouri, recently ranked number six on Forbe's Best Small Places for Business and Careers, Mizzou is surrounded by a thriving community. Our campus is recognized as botanical garden because of all its flora and fauna and is consistently named one of the nation's most beautiful campuses.

Academically, we stand out in the SEC and the nation as a whole. We're home to top-notch nursing and education schools, and we're one of only seven schools in the country that offer six professional degrees. Students come from around the nation and around the world just to attend the best journalism school, located here at Mizzou.

While southern schools might brag about their expansive, lively Greek-life, they might not realize that Mizzou has the second largest sorority recruitment in the nation after Alabama. Our Greek community consists of 55 different chapters and some of the nation's oldest sororities and fraternities, including Farmhouse's very first chapter.

Each year, Mizzou's 700 organizations raise money and perform service for a multitude of causes. From the Homecoming blood drive, the nation's largest blood drive, to Mizzou Alternative Breaks, on track to become the largest program of its kind, Mizzou is a leader in community service.

As the first university west of the Mississippi River, our tradition runs deep. The creator of homecoming (you're welcome), Mizzou does it best, with a week-long celebration-and month-long preparation-complete with a parade, talent show, and hand-made decorations. Every corner of campus has a story, from the towers of Memorial Union, to the golden nose of David R. Francis.

On Jan. 9, 1892, a fire destroyed our campus, leaving only six columns standing. These columns remain as a testament to Mizzou's resilience, bravery, and strength. So beat us down, if you like. Tell us we're “irrelevant" or “unimportant." Just as the columns will never leave campus, we'll never leave the SEC. And with time, we'll become more resilient, braver and stronger than we ever were before.

Sincerely,

The University of Missouri

P.S. Does your rec have an indoor pool, outdoor pool, rock-climbing wall, sauna and lazy river? Didn't think so.