Vivian Vu is remembered by friends as someone kindhearted, generous, and open to meeting new people. 

In November of 2017, Vu, a sophomore international studies major at Missouri Southern, was on a trip and was killed in an eight-car crash on I-55 south of Hamel, Illinois.

Last spring, Gil Salgado and Jordan Fuller hosted the first Vivian Vu Heart for Humanity Scholarship and Talent Show as a tribute to her life. 

This year, the Salgado is organizing the talent show once more. Money being raised this year comes primarily from private donors, and items have been contributed by local businesses for a drawing. 

Since it is a small community event, Salgado is working with a group of eight volunteers to organize it. 

He said there are 12 people participating in the talent show including a violinist, singers, a comedian, a poetry reading, and a traditional Vietnamese flower dance. 

Salgado said he is overwhelmed so many people are participating in the talent show. 

“My heart is full knowing Vivian’s memory continues to live on and it makes me overjoyed to experience the love of all her family and friends,” he said. 

Money earned from the talent show funded the scholarship, which is open to graduates of Joplin High School, Vu’s alma mater. 

The first recipient of the scholarship, Sadiq Hopkins, a Joplin High School graduate, now attends Missouri Southern. 

Hopkins’ scholarship was funded by a talent show organized in the spring of 2018 by Vu’s friends. 

Last year, approximately $3,600 was raised, and $500 was given out through the scholarship. 

The scholarship application is available on the Joplin High School website and is open to graduates of the school. 

In addition to meeting certain academic requirements, eligible applicants must “demonstrate a great love of others through volunteering and studies,” as well as plan to major in a field promoting human wellness, spirituality or education.