Category: Features
UMKC Conservatory Students Benefit from Legacy of Beloved Instructor
Grassroots effort leads to memorial scholarship
The late James Rothwell had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for creating music. A pioneer in electronic sound recording, Rothwell and his achievements are memorialized in the James A. Rothwell Scholarship Fund at the UMKC Conservatory. Continue reading “UMKC Conservatory Students Benefit from Legacy of Beloved Instructor”
Matching Gift for #RooRelief Student Emergency Fund Donations
Recent study shows nearly a quarter are struggling financially
Despite previous efforts to replenish emergency funds for students, demand is outweighing availability. A recent survey of more than 1,000 UMKC students found that nearly one-fourth of them are struggling financially.
Many do not have the money they need to buy materials for their courses. To respond to this need, an anonymous donor has committed matching #RooRelief funds to any gift made to the Student Emergency Fund and the Kangaroo Food Pantry. Continue reading “Matching Gift for #RooRelief Student Emergency Fund Donations”
Placing More Teachers of Color in Urban Schools
UMKC School of Education Institute for Urban Education is poised for growth
The Institute of Urban Education within the UMKC School of Education is committed to improving student success in urban schools. Continue reading “Placing More Teachers of Color in Urban Schools”
Jazz Great’s Legacy Enriches University Collections
Barney Kessel began playing guitar when he was 12 years old in his hometown of Muskogee, Oklahoma. By 1937, at the age of 14, he was playing professionally. Kessel built a legendary jazz career and an impressive collection of music and manuscripts. Continue reading “Jazz Great’s Legacy Enriches University Collections”
Alumnus Entrepreneur Establishes College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship
Kansas City businessman Albert Gerecht liked helping others succeed
Albert Gerecht, B.A. ’52, established his business, The Tax Gallery in 1956, one mile from his alma mater. After earning his degree and meeting his wife, Doris, he led a bold life making friends, building his business and supporting the community. Upon his death he bequeathed $400,000 for merit-based scholarships to further his commitment to helping people help themselves. Continue reading “Alumnus Entrepreneur Establishes College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship”
UMKC Foundation Celebrates Record Year
Donors respond with increases across the board in challenging year
The UMKC Foundation has had a year of record giving with significant increases in both contributions and donors. This year’s donations are 35% greater than the previous record year, with gains in all areas of giving. Continue reading “UMKC Foundation Celebrates Record Year”
An Exemplary Volunteer Career
UMKC Conservatory supporter Marylou Turner has dedicated her life to enhancing the arts
Marylou Turner’s exposure to music and the arts was limited during her girlhood. Continue reading “An Exemplary Volunteer Career”
Classical KC: A New Music Platform for Kansas City
Major donors support KCUR to create second radio station to provide 24/7 classical service
At a time when we most need it, classical radio has returned to Kansas City.
91.9 Classical KC began broadcasting June 30 and is now operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The music service also can be streamed through a new website at classicalkc.org. Continue reading “Classical KC: A New Music Platform for Kansas City”
Scholarship Honors Emigrant Experience
Family with strong UMKC ties furthers future success
Doris Edelman fled Germany with her family when she was a teenager as violence began to build against Jewish citizens. She instilled the value of education into her three sons, Mark, Alan and Ron, who have established an endowed scholarship in her name. Continue reading “Scholarship Honors Emigrant Experience”