Partners in Progress

by Patricia O’Dell

The relationship between the UMKC School of Computing and Engineering and Honeywell benefits both organizations, and the Kansas City community.

New technology.  New research. New partnerships. As the School of Computing and Engineering expands with the addition of the new Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise and Research Center, students, faculty and staff are thrilled with the prospect of expanded opportunities for research, education and innovation. Continue reading “Partners in Progress”

Scholarship and Determination Lead to Success

by Patricia O’Dell

Ka Baw Say immigrated to the United States with his older brother and sister when he was 19 years old.  The Thomas and Theresa Sullivan Scholarship he received in 2018 enabled him to improve his education and his life.

“We wanted a good future,” says Say of him and his siblings.  “Our parents did not come with us.  They were worried, but they didn’t want to stop us.  They wanted us to have a good life.” Continue reading “Scholarship and Determination Lead to Success”

Celebrating a Legendary Leader

UMKC honors champion and supporter Henry Bloch

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is celebrating the extraordinary life and unprecedented contributions of Kansas City entrepreneur and philanthropist Henry W. Bloch (1922-2019).

Bloch was the retired chairman of H&R Block, a tax-preparation company which he founded with his brother, Richard, in 1955. A quintessential entrepreneur, Bloch worked tirelessly — toiling over tax returns as his first child, Robert, was being born — and deftly responded to shifts in the market, developing H&R Block into the largest commercial tax preparation firm in the world. Continue reading “Celebrating a Legendary Leader”

Memorial Scholarship Honors Hard Work and Focus

By Patricia O’Dell

When Karen and Don Loeffelholz’s daughter, Kristin, passed away in 1998, they made their first contribution to UMKC in her memory.

A few years later in 2001, they established the Kristin Jane Loeffelholz Memorial Scholarship in her name and have been contributing to it since.

The couple feels that providing these scholarships is the kind of lasting legacy that Kristin deserves.

“Kristin loved UMKC,” Don says. “She was her happiest when she was there.”

The Loeffelholzes developed the scholarship criteria based on Kristin’s personal experience. Recipients must be active in engineering activities, either Kansas, Missouri or Iowa residents, employed part-time and maintaining a C+ average or better.

Continue reading “Memorial Scholarship Honors Hard Work and Focus”

UMKC Trustees Scholars Program Prepares Student Scholars for Professional Life

By Shannan Henderson

UMKC is often referred to as Kansas City’s university because of the rich connections forged between the business and civic communities and the university. This is exemplified by the UMKC Trustees’ Scholar Program.

The Trustees’ Scholars Program brings the best students to UMKC campus and connects them with community sponsors. Through internships, mentoring and ongoing networking, the scholars develop strong relationships with Kansas City’s business and civic leaders. Continue reading “UMKC Trustees Scholars Program Prepares Student Scholars for Professional Life”

Talbott Provides Experience, Funding and Mentoring

Donor who began her relationship with UMKC as a student has enhanced the university for 59 years

By Patricia O’Dell

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is fortunate to have a legacy of men and women who have supported the university through leadership, experience and financial support.  Linda Hood Talbott, (B.A. ’62, M.A. ’64, Ph.D. ’73) has been a leader in all three areas since she served as student body president. Her generous donations to scholarship funding ensure that her legacy of love of learning and the university will continue for generations to come. Continue reading “Talbott Provides Experience, Funding and Mentoring”

Honoring an Educational Visionary

UMKC remembers longtime friend Hugh Zimmer

The University of Missouri-Kansas City celebrates the impact of a longtime friend, generous donor and educational visionary, Hugh J. Zimmer (1930-2019).

Zimmer was the retired chairman of Zimmer Companies. His impact on Kansas City, and on UMKC, would be difficult to overestimate. Continue reading “Honoring an Educational Visionary”

More than Meets the Eye

By Jean Peat

Revered UMKC Professor and Clinician is Honored by Family

Colleagues who knew Larry Piebenga, MD, speak of him with true regard as both a mentor and role model for medical research, education and patient care.  A legendary ophthalmologist and teacher at UMKC, Dr. Piebenga was a pioneer for developing cornea and cataract therapies. Continue reading “More than Meets the Eye”

Another $20 Million in UMKC Scholarships, Thanks to the Bloch Family

About 800 students will benefit from three new or expanded scholarship programs based on both merit and need over the next nine years

By John Martellaro

Hundreds of area students will benefit over the next nine years from a new $20-million scholarship program established by the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, the H & R Block Foundation and the University of Missouri System. (more…)

Alumnus and Award Winning Broadcaster Gives Back

By Patricia O’Dell

Bob Carpenter, an award-winning sports broadcaster and voice of the Washington Nationals baseball team, has seen a broad change in broadcasting since he graduated from UMKC in 1975. A keen understanding of the field and an appreciation for hard work have contributed to his success, but he counts his years at UMKC as a significant influence. Continue reading “Alumnus and Award Winning Broadcaster Gives Back”