JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Jay Nixon today called for nominations from Missourians to the Academy of Missouri Squires, a non-profit organization that honors Missourians for their accomplishments on the community, state or national levels. The Academy, founded by Gov. James T. Blair in 1960, is limited to 100 living members.
Vacancies due to death or resignation are filled through the nomination process, which considers nominees submitted by the public and the membership of the Academy. Currently, there are 85 living members and 15 vacancies; up to 10 new Squires may be added in the Class of 2015.
To qualify for Academy of Missouri Squires membership, one must have achieved true greatness in his or her community, the state of Missouri or the United States; and either legally reside in Missouri, be employed by the state, or be a native-born Missourian whose current residence, by necessity of business or other reasons, may be outside the state.
Nominations are made by submitting a brief nomination form describing, in 100 words or less, why the nominee should be selected to join the Academy. Forms may be obtained and submitted online. Each new class of Squires is elected by the membership of the Academy. The deadline to submit nominations for consideration for the Class of 2015 is Oct. 12.
The ranks of the Squires automatically include the Governor and living former Governors of Missouri. Among the first class of Squires in 1960 were Harry Truman, Thomas Hart Benton and Stan Musial.
