Once again, it’s time to celebrate UMKC Engagement Month, a 31-day celebration of all the ways our UMKC students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends contribute to the Kansas City community and beyond. 

UMKC and the University of Missouri System are dedicated to providing teaching, research and service to our community and state year-round; during October, we celebrate that commitment with an array of special events. This year, from soccer to the symphony to service projects,  there are numerous opportunities to join in the celebration of our commitment to transform our community and region with impactful engagement.

UMKC Engagement Month activities are produced by the Division of External Relations and Constituent Engagement. Click here for UM System Extension and Engagement Week information.

The full schedule of UMKC events is available at this page. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

• UMKC Day at the Kansas City Symphony
  • Sunday, Oct. 9 | 2 p.m.| Kauffman Performing Arts Center, 1601 Broadway
  • The Kansas City Symphony is generously providing the UMKC Community with discounted tickets at a rate of $12 per ticket (parking at additional cost). Visitorg or call (816) 471-0400 and ask for the UMKC discount for this performance.
  • The performance will feature multiple pieces revolving around the theme of nature and the environment, including a performance by Principal Percussionist Josh Jones of Adam Schoenberg's percussion concerto, "Losing Earth."
  • More information at https://community.umkc.edu/engagements/umkc-day-at-the-kansas-city-symphony/
    
• “ART of Being Me” mental health exhibit
  • 19 through Nov. 30 | Throughout Miller Nichols Library
  • UMKC is partnering with the Burrell Foundation to display the exhibit created by artist Randy Bacon. It consists of multiple forms of media, including inspiring portrait artwork, personal written stories and a series of short films.
  • The collection showcases the personal stories of more than 20 individuals who have lived experiences with mental health conditions or diagnoses. 
  • A UMKC student will be adding a new piece to the exhibit that will be on display here and then continue on with the exhibition.
  • More information at https://community.umkc.edu/engagements/umkc-to-host-the-burrell-foundations-art-of-being-me-mental-health-exhibit/
    
• UMKC Night at Sporting KC
  • Sunday, Oct. 2 | 4 p.m.| Children's Mercy Park
  • Sporting Kansas City takes on conference rivals Seattle Sounders
  • Before the game, stop by the Mazuma Plaza to visit with representatives from Athletics, Admissions and Alumni Relations. There will be giveaways, photo opportunities with KC Roo and more.
  • More information at https://www.umkcalumni.com/s/1236/16/index.aspx?sid=1236&gid=1&pgid=4559&content_id=6032
    
• Troostapalooza
  • Saturday, Oct. 8 | noon-6 p.m. | 30^th and Troost
  • Celebrates the local community by bringing together neighbors, small businesses and entrepreneurs to engage with their community and highlight the Troost Corridor.
  • UMKC is the lead sponsor of the event.
  • More information at https://community.umkc.edu/engagements/troostapalooza/
    
• UniverCities Exchange
  • Topic: Combating Missouri’s Urban Food Deserts
  • Monday, Oct. 10 | 2-3 p.m.
  • UniverCities Exchange, an ongoing collaborative project between UMKC and UMSL, gathers community leadership alongside academic expertise to discuss problems and possible solutions to issues affecting the Kansas City and St. Louis Metro Areas.
  • Panelists Include:
    • Dina Newman, Director of the UMKC Center for Neighborhoods
    • Aimee Dunlap, UMSL Associate Professor of Biology
    • Erica Williams, Executive Director, A Red Circle
    • Max Kaniger, CEO, Kanbe's Markets
    • Moderated by Steve Kraske of KCUR
  • More information at https://community.umkc.edu/engagements/univercities-exchange-combating-missouris-urban-food-deserts/
    
    
• Hungry for Trivia: A Hungry for MO Season 2 Launch Party
  • Oct. 19 | 6:30 p.m.| Casual Animal Brewery, 1725 McGee St.
  • UMKC, KCUR, and the Missouri Humanities Council sponsor a food-based trivia contest to support KCUR and UMKC’s Kangaroo Pantry at the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal CARE Center.
  • The event is a launch party for Season Two of "Hungry for MO," a podcast that brings you the stories behind iconic foods in the state of Missouri.
  • More information at https://community.umkc.edu/engagements/hungry-for-trivia-a-hungry-for-mo-season-2-launch-party/