Just for laughs — CAFNR students enjoy return of Comedy Night
Story by Sarah Woodhurst, photos by Lauren Studer, posted Oct. 2, 2009

The first evening event of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources celebration week had students laughing at Déjà Vu Comedy Club. On Thursday, Sept. 17, about 250 MU students filled the upstairs comedy room of Déjà Vu to hear stand-up comedians, Johnny O and Joe Marlotti. Alpha Gamma Rho and Alpha Gamma Sigma organized the event.

“We thought it would be a good way to get kids out and have fun for a cheap price,” said Jon Kirchhoff, junior agricultural education major and CAFNR Week steering committee member.

Comedian Johnny O, left, performs his impression of Ray Charles on Sept. 17 during CAFNR Week comedy night. Comedian and MU graduate Joe Marlotti performs at Déjà Vu for about 250 CAFNR students.

The first entertainer of the night was Johnny O. One of his most popular acts during his 30-minute comedy segment was an impression of Ray Charles.  Johnny O is a professional comedian from Missouri, who makes numerous appearances at Déjà Vu throughout the year.

The second act of the night was comedian, Joe Marlotti. Marlotti's jokes had the crowd laughing the entire time. Marlotti is a Mizzou graduate and now lives in St. Louis, Mo., with his wife and kids. Not only does Marlotti perform stand-up comedy, but he is also an actor and writer. He has performed in many commercials, television shows, and industrial films, according to his Web site.

“It was a great way to get all of CAFNR involved,” said Becca Bunton, a CAFNR junior.  “The show was really entertaining.”

More than $1,000 from the comedy night ticket sales were donated to the Paul Vaughn scholarship fund.

Paul R. Vaughn served as the associate dean for CAFNR from 2000 to 2008, and was known for his leadership in MU academic programs and contribution in several national-educational organizations.

“Dr. Vaughn was a very sincere, nice guy, who really cared about the kids,” said Bryan Garton, associate dean and director of CAFNR.

The Paul Vaughn Scholarship is available to current CAFNR students who are, “making academic progress, have good moral character and are pursuing leadership activities,” according to the CAFNR scholarship website.

For more information about Vaughn or to donate to the Scholars fund, visit: http://cafnr.missouri.edu/news/vaughn-p-memory.php.

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