Michelle Wu, a fifth-year medical student in UMKC’s B.A./M.D. program, has been named a 2025 recipient of the Remington R. Williams Award, one of the University of Missouri System’s highest non-academic honors.
Named in memory of Remington R. Williams, a former UMKC student representative to the UM Board of Curators known for his compassion, leadership and dedication to student success, the award recognizes exceptional student leaders who make a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom through outstanding character and a collaborative spirit.
Wu is one of just seven students across the entire UM System and the only UMKC student to receive the honor this year.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Wu chose UMKC for its accelerated medical school program. But it was her unique circumstances of her first year that sparked her passion for building community.
“My first year at UMKC began in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult to meet people or feel connected to campus life,” Wu said. “Coming from Texas, I did not know anyone in the program, and with everything held virtually, it was hard to build community. That experience motivated me to get more involved starting my second year, both to form connections and to help others feel more at home.”
She joined the Union Programing Board, eventually became president and city outreach coordinator, and also co-founded the UMKC chapter of Global Medical Brigades. Through her involvement in these organizations, Wu has helped foster a welcoming campus culture while also guiding fellow medical students through the challenges of their education.
In his nomination letter, UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal wrote: “Michelle consistently promotes an inclusive and supportive environment that inspires students and faculty around her. Her work on the Union Programming Board is a prime example of her dedication to creating a vibrant campus where students can build connections.”
In her five years with the Union Programming Board, Wu has helped bring students together through campus events that promote well-being and connection.
“She played a key role in organizing engaging events that brought both graduate and undergraduate students together,” said UMKC Associate Professor Xiang-Ping Chu, M.D., Ph.D. in his nomination letter. “Through her efforts, Michelle fostered a stronger sense of community by facilitating fun, inclusive events that not only contributed to student enjoyment but also promoted a well-rounded, healthy school life. Her work in this capacity was instrumental in helping create a vibrant, supportive environment where students could connect and unwind, ultimately cultivating a better school experience for all at UMKC.”
But her impact extends far beyond the campus events. She’s known among her peers and mentors as a trusted leader – someone students turn to for both academic support and personal encouragement.
“I wanted to support others who might feel just as overwhelmed or out of place as I once did,” Wu said.
At Saint Luke’s Hospital, where she worked under the mentorship of Richard W. Lustig, D.O., Wu became a go-to resource for younger students navigating clinical training.
“Michelle is always willing to offer advice and guidance, whether related to clinical challenges or academic inquiries,” Lustig said in his nomination letter. “She has taken many students under her wing, patiently helping them navigate the complexities of medical training while fostering an environment of respect, empathy, and mutual support. Her mentorship goes beyond simply answering questions; Michelle actively inspires and guides younger students to become better clinicians and leaders.”
That commitment to excellence was on full display during a neurology rotation when Wu noticed signs of a second stroke in a patient whose initial symptoms had been attributed to a single event.
“Trusting her clinical instincts, she advocated for further imaging, which led to the discovery of the new stroke,” Lustig said. “This timely intervention prevented the patient from suffering additional neurological damage and demonstrated Michelle’s unwavering commitment to patient care and her capacity to lead others by example. Her ability to advocate for the patient and her peers, even in the face of initial skepticism, is a testament to her character and determination.
Her contributions don’t stop at patients’ bedsides. Wu has already conducted impressive research in anesthesiology and authored clinical case studies. She hopes to continue that work in the future with a career in anesthesiology.
“I intend to remain actively involved in clinical research, contributing to advancements in anesthetic techniques and pain management therapies that can improve patient outcomes,” Wu said.
Through her leadership, mentorship, research and patient advocacy, Wu exemplifies the values celebrated by the Remington R. Williams Award.
To recognize the prestige honor of this award, each winner will receive a leadership medallion to wear at graduation, a $1,000 award and an invitation to attend a board meeting hosted at their institution to be recognized.