It’s Never Too Late to Graduate

Crankstart Scholarships are designed for nontraditional students

Not all students take a direct path from college initiation to graduation. Sometimes circumstances intercede that require degree-seekers to take a break, but that does not mean they do not have a viable path to graduation. Continue reading “It’s Never Too Late to Graduate”

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”

Health Forward Foundation Provides Second Round of Funding for Grandparent Program

Grandparents are increasingly becoming the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. The UMKC Psychology Department at the College of Arts and Sciences has recently received a second round of funding from the Health Forward Foundation for a program that supports grandparents in this role. Continue reading “Health Forward Foundation Provides Second Round of Funding for Grandparent Program”

Alumnus Commits Time, Resources Toward Future Success

by Patricia O’Dell

Todd Newton makes pledge and estate gift provision to support scholarship

UMKC was not Todd Newton’s initial choice for college, but as a transfer student he became an ardent advocate of the university. Newton, BA, ’88, recently completed his term as treasurer of the UMKC Alumni Association and has committed $25,000 to the College of Arts and Sciences and is establishing a planned gift to endow a scholarship in political science.

Continue reading “Alumnus Commits Time, Resources Toward Future Success”

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”

Donor’s Dedication to Art and Business Inspires Giving

By Patricia O’Dell

From the time Harrison Jedel established his foundation in 2011, his main focus was to live a frugal life while investing aggressively so that his foundation would be large enough to make a difference, remembers Jedel Family Foundation President Don Hubbs. Upon his death in 2016, he seeded the Jedel Family Foundation with $27 million, an art collection and a 1994 Windstar. Continue reading “Donor’s Dedication to Art and Business Inspires Giving”