Longtime campus volunteer recognized for extraordinary service

For nearly 40 years, Mary Kay McPhee has worked to advance the accessibility and quality of an education from UMKC.  On July 14, she will receive a national award commemorating her leadership and volunteer service. McPhee, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education's (CASE) 2008 Distinguished Friend of Education Awardee, is one of five individuals nationwide who will be honored by the organization during its Summit for Advancement Leaders conference in New York City.

CASE President John Lippincott says the award winners exemplify the very best in educational advancement, a profession that supports schools, colleges and universities through work in alumni relations, communications, marketing and fundraising. The Distinguished Friend of Education Award annually recognizes individuals who, through their leadership and vision, exemplify the important role education and volunteerism play in advancing society.

“The 2008 CASE Distinguished Service Award winners stand as outstanding examples of the many ways individuals and organizations can support education,” Lippincott says. “As volunteers, grantors, mentors, consultants and professionals, they commit their time, talent and resources to help educational institutions grow and thrive. We pay tribute to their commitment, passion and vision.”

McPhee is an ardent UMKC supporter. Throughout her tenure as an advocate and volunteer, she has helped raised more than $5.6 million in financial assistance to tbenefit thousands of students. This includes the Herman Johnson African-American Scholarship Fund, which has provided awards to more than 150 students from nine counties, and Crescendo!, an annual gala that supports the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. She also has led major efforts on behalf of women at the university. According to nominators Guy Bailey, UMKC chancellor, and Adele Hall, community volunteer, “Her true gift as a prolific volunteer is her ability to impact the big picture so that it will lead to direct and enriching consequences for the individual.”

The Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) is the largest international association of education institutions, serving in excess of 3,300 universities, colleges, schools and related organizations in more than 54 countries. CASE is the leading resource for professional development, information and standards in the fields of educational fundraising, communications and alumni relations. 

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