Joseph Wright has brought the cosmos to Kansas City for more than 20 years.
So, how did a nearly 900-pound telescope end up on the UMKC campus?
Stan Warkoczewski, a passionate amateur astronomer, spent nearly a decade and $15,000 in the 1950s building a custom-built telescope as a gift for his wife, Helen. The 8-foot-long, 16-inch diameter, 900-pound custom-built telescope lived in their backyard until the couple donated it to UMKC in 1964. A decade later, it found a permanent home on the rooftop of Royall Hall, where it has remained for over 50 years.
Today, the Warkoczewski Observatory, known as the Warko, is one of only two major public observatories in the Kansas City region. Operated by the Astronomical Society of Kansas City, one of the largest astronomical societies in the country, the Warko is open to the public on clear Friday evenings from May to October, starting at dusk for stargazing and solar viewing.
The observatory’s instruments include:
Custom-built 16” Warkoczewski Telescope
Meade 10” and 14” LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain computerized telescopes
Coronado PST Solar Telescope
80mm refracting telescope with Daystar “Quark” Hydrogen Alpha filter
Volunteers operate the observatory, offering educational programs and guided telescope viewing of celestial wonders like the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and deep-space objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula.
Joseph Wright, operations manager for the Warkoczewski Observatory, oversees the weekly free public observing. Wright organizes a team of volunteers to operate the observatory, offering educational programs and guided telescope viewings.
“Wright has been a steadfast public astronomy educator for two decades,” said Daniel McIntosh, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy. “His passion for sharing the wonders of the universe through telescopes is unmatched in my 18 years as a science professor and professional astronomer. He has volunteered countless hours and has created unforgettable experiences for our community, such as hosting rare celestial events like the Venus transit that drew hundreds to Warko. Joe has impacted tens of thousands of visitors to the Warko over the last 20 years and has made a remarkable legacy of his service to his community, all based solely on his love for astronomy.”
Wright was recently recognized for his services in bringing the cosmos to Kansas City for more than 20 years.
“Receiving recognition from UMKC and ASKC came as a surprise. I was being recognized for something I enjoyed doing,” Wright said. “The Warko became a magical place—a family-friendly spot to share the wonders of the universe with visitors from Kansas City and beyond.”
Over the years, Wright and his team have shared unforgettable sights with thousands of visitors. The observatory has also been the backdrop for special moments.
"We've celebrated weddings, anniversaries, several proposals and many date nights at the observatory,” Wright said. "We hosted David H. Levy, Ph.D., famed astronomer and comet discoverer. We’ve also organized observation events on the top level of the Rockhill parking garage, accompanied by live music from UMKC Conservatory students.”
Wright credits his wife and volunteers for making the observatory a success.
“I could not have achieved much of this without my wife, Rita, helping me," said Wright. "Nor could the success of the observatory happen without a remarkable group of staff astronomers volunteering on a lot of Friday nights and at special events. None of it would have been possible on my own.”
Although the Warko is closed for the 2025 season, keep an eye out on their Facebook page for special viewing events and for 2026 season dates.
Nov 25, 2025
Initiative would enhance national security and create thousands of jobs
More than 200 leaders from businesses, economic development organizations, government agencies, nonprofits and universities gathered at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City to advance a shared vision: building the nation’s next great innovation ecosystem through the Critical Materials Crossroads.
The Critical Materials Crossroads, spearheaded by the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is an emerging regional movement focused on securing America’s supply of the critical materials that power modern life — from batteries and artificial intelligence systems to aerospace technology, medical devices and clean-energy infrastructure.
While the idea began at UMKC, the initiative has grown into a coalition of more than 230 partners across Missouri and Kansas. Industry, higher education, government, workforce development and community organizations are now aligned behind a single goal: to make the heartland of the United States into a national hub for critical materials discovery, processing, advanced manufacturing and workforce training.
A Nationally Recognized Vision
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal stands next to Anthony Caruso, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and the leader of Critical Materials Crossroads.
The proposal for the Critical Materials Crossroads has already earned national attention. In 2025, the National Science Foundation selected the initiative as one of just 15 finalists — out of 285 proposals — for its Regional Innovation Engines program. The NSF will visit Kansas City in January 2026 for an on-site evaluation, and winners will be announced later in the year. Awardees may receive up to $160 million over 10 years, which would make it the largest grant in UMKC history if Critical Materials Crossroads is selected.
For Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, the NSF recognition reflects the region’s collective strength. Agrawal urged stakeholders at the meeting to think of the Critical Materials Crossroads as “a living ecosystem.”
“When universities, industry, government and communities unite,” Agrawal said, “America can once again lead the world in innovation and manufacturing, starting right here in the heartland.”
Why Critical Materials Matter
Critical materials — including rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt and specialty metals — are essential to the technologies that drive the modern economy. Yet the United States currently relies on foreign countries for roughly 90% of its refined supply, much of it from geopolitical competitors.
This reliance creates significant economic and national security risks.
“Decades of offshoring have weakened our industrial base,” said Anthony Caruso, UMKC vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and the project’s principal investigator. “If we cannot produce or process the materials that power our technologies, we are vulnerable.”
The goal of the Critical Material Crossroads is to reduce the supply chain risk by building a resilient, domestic supply chain anchored in the Midwest. The collaborative effort is bi-partisan.
“For too long, we’ve allowed our dependence on foreign supply chains to grow into a strategic vulnerability,” said Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt, whose staff attended the conference. “It’s time to rebuild America’s industrial base and reclaim our leadership in the global minerals race. The Trump Administration and I are working hand-in-hand to lead a new golden age of American resource independence, reducing our reliance on foreign countries, particularly China, and revitalizing our critical materials ecosystem. I am proud to support key efforts like those of UMKC that will bring critical minerals processing not only to the U.S. but Missouri specifically.”
A Blueprint for Transformation
Hiroko Kawai, senior director of Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America, spoke at the Critical Materials Crossroads conference.
If fully funded and built, the Critical Materials Crossroads would establish an integrated research-to-manufacturing ecosystem across hundreds of acres in the Kansas City region. The vision includes:
State-of-the-art research laboratories
Pilot- and demonstration-scale processing and manufacturing facilities
Training centers supporting degree, certificate and apprenticeship pathways
Startup incubators and small-business development hubs
A workforce pipeline designed in partnership with regional employers
The projected economic impact is substantial. By 2036, the initiative could create more than 3,000 direct jobs and an additional 6,000 indirect jobs yielding $40 billion in gross regional output and adding $17 billion to the regional gross domestic product.
One of the speakers at the conference was Hiroko Kawai, senior director of Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America, which opened an electric vehicle battery facility earlier this year in De Soto, Kansas, in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
“The Critical Materials Crossroads gathered people and companies to highlight our attention to this region and to this issue, not in a high-level and abstract way, but in a tangible, concrete effort for Kansas and Missouri,” Kawai said. “It is real, and therefore, really meaningful.”
A Regional Movement Built on Collaboration
Maria Meyers, UMKC vice chancellor of commercialization and entrepreneurship, spoke at the Critical Materials Crossroads conference.
Throughout the stakeholder conference, speakers emphasized that the Critical Materials Crossroads has the ingredients for success because it is being built from the ground up through shared trust, community leadership and broad regional participation. The afternoon included breakout session workshops on industry and commercialization, research and development innovation and workforce innovation.
Partners include:
Research universities across Kansas and Missouri
Advanced manufacturers and technology companies from Oregon to Australia
Local and state governments
Workforce partners such as the Full Employment Council, Great Jobs KC, Enterprise KC, the Missouri Community College Association and the Missouri’s State Workforce Development Board
Investors and capital partners positioning the region for commercialization and scale
Agrawal noted each sector plays an essential role:
“Individually, every one of the stakeholder groups is essential,” he said. “Combined, they are transformative.”
Talent at the Center
Critical Materials Crossroads is equally focused on people — developing a workforce that can support the next generation of advanced manufacturing.
Pathways will include roles in:
Materials science and engineering
Industrial and chemical engineering
Automation and AI-enabled manufacturing
Supply-chain logistics
Entrepreneurial ventures supporting a new industrial cluster
Legal, finance, business strategy, history and environmental sciences
The initiative is expected to create opportunities across a wide range of skill levels, from high-school graduates to post-doctoral researchers.
The Kansas City area’s geography, infrastructure, research strength and manufacturing heritage make it uniquely positioned to lead America’s next industrial era. The region sits at the literal and symbolic crossroads of the nation where transportation networks, talent pipelines and technological innovation converge.
Critical Materials Crossroads’ leaders believe this moment is decisive.
“The Greater Kansas City area will not just participate in America’s critical materials future,” Agrawal said. “We will define it.”
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Nov 24, 2025
The record-breaking amount will help fund the Conservatory’s expansion, Bridges program and student scholarships
Crescendo, the annual gala hosted by Friends of the Conservatory, raised more than $1.35 million this year, breaking their own 2024 fundraising record by more than $200,000. Most of the funds raised from this event will support the Conservatory’s expansion and renovation project, with some earmarked for the Conservatory Bridges program and endowed student scholarships.
"Crescendo is a celebration of the incredible talent we have here at the Conservatory,” said Courtney Crappell, dean of the Conservatory. “It’s also a celebration of the important relationship between the Conservatory and the Kansas City community. We’re deeply grateful to have the full support of our community partners as we look to expand our facilities and increase the opportunities we provide."
Concept rendering, courtesy of Helix Archicture
Attendees at Crescendo had the opportunity to view a 3D model of the future facilities. The expansion and renovation project will add crucial performance and rehearsal spaces and increase opportunities for collaboration and community engagement. Announced in April 2025, the project has generated significant excitement on campus and in the Kansas City arts community. See more renderings and learn about the project.
Crescendo has been a staple of the Kansas City performing arts community for more than 25 years. For the second year, the gala portion of the event was held at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Immersive performances took place around the museum and during the gala dinner in Rozzelle Court, bringing the audience into the performance at times.
The collage performance will be May 5, 2026 in Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the venue where Crescendo has been held for more than a decade. This performance will be in the traditional and beloved Crescendo format that highlights dance, music and theatre in a continuous performance.
Crescendo is supported and guided by a group of chairs, who generously give their time and talents to the event. This year’s chairs were Merrily Jackson, John Rensenhouse and Darren Sextro. Honorary chairs were Steve and Cathy Doyal.
The internationally renowned UMKC Conservatory was founded more than a century ago, and trains professionals in music, dance and theatre. The Conservatory’s mission is to advance creativity, performance, scholarship and learning in the arts. They are a vital partner in Kansas City’s cultural environment and collaborate deeply with community institutions through performances, workshops and more. Faculty and alumni of the Conservatory have won numerous honors and awards, including Grammys, Pulitzer Prizes and Fulbright and Guggenheim fellowships.
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Nov 19, 2025
One of only three programs worldwide to earn the honor, UMKC School of Medicine is advancing physician well-being through mindfulness and resilienc...
The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine has achieved a top designation for leading the way in integrating mindfulness practices into medical education. UMKC has been named a “Flourishing in Medicine Center of Excellence” by the Mindful Practice in Medicine or MPIM program at the University of Rochester Medical Center — making UMKC one of only three schools internationally, and the only one in the United States, to earn the honor.
According to MPIM, mindful practice programs are “a means to enhance self-awareness, wellness and resilience” for medical professionals by addressing and improving relationships with patients and colleagues.
Mindfulness practices include meditation, focusing strategies, deep listening skills, self-awareness practices and more. For medical school students and physicians, the goal is to find joy and resilience when working with patients while addressing the potential burnout and moral distress that may occur while navigating the daily stressful and demanding situations of a healthcare setting.
UMKC earned the distinction after meeting a series of rigorous standards over the past two years, including training local faculty in mindful practice, offering ongoing workshops and launching an innovative 10-month Mindfulness in Medicine program.
The program was developed by pediatrics professor Jodi Jackson, M.D., and Christine Sullivan (B.A. ’82/M.D. ’85), associate dean for professional development.
“The big impetus for implementing this was we realized that for physicians, medical students and other healthcare workers, burnout and emotional exhaustion is epidemic,” Sullivan said. “It made good sense to us that we could provide our medical students with some of those skills to build resiliency and combat burnout.”
The group, which completed its second cohort last spring, is an extracurricular, evidence-based program that brings faculty together with fourth- and fifth-year medical school students for bi-monthly sessions focused on building wellness, awareness and strong patient relationships.
Whether it’s a guided meditation with a singing bowl or box-breathing exercises, each session begins with a centering practice so students and faculty can start the session feeling fully present. From there, the two-and-a-half-hour session continues with literature-based lessons, group work and whole-group share outs.
“We are teaching reflective listening and appreciative inquiry,” Jackson said. “We're teaching how to be present with another human being in real time and how to reflect and listen in a way that supports and holds space for others.”
The Mindfulness in Medicine program is unique in that it is open to both students and faculty.
“One of the very novel things about this program was the fact that we created an environment where students and faculty learn together,” Sullivan said. “It helped broaden everybody's perspective as to each other's roles and struggles. By doing that, it kind of grew a sense of connection to community.”
Beyond the benefits of community-building, Sullivan and Jackson have also been tracking the effect the program has had on the participants’ burnout rates. Both student and faculty participants have seen drastic decreases in “occupational exhaustion” and “depersonalization,” while also unanimously reporting increased levels of “personal accomplishment.”
“It decreases burnout, not by a magic shield that makes us burnout proof, but to notice before we burn out that things aren't going well, that things don't feel right, and then to be able to advocate for what we need in a way that's not reactive, in a way that's engaging,” Jackson said.
Daniel Terry (M.D. ’24) was in the first cohort of the group and joined when he noticed he was struggling to navigate his reaction to some of his medical school training experiences.
“You kind of shut off from a lot of emotions because you're exposed to traumatic stuff and you’re around dying people,” Terry said. “That's hard for people, and it was really hard for me. One thing I noticed was that I had sort of become detached, and I wanted to delve into something that would help me be able to access those emotions again, but in a healthier way.”
For Terry, who started his emergency medicine residency at UMKC this year, mindfulness training has been essential in helping deliver better care to all his patients, regardless of what medical conditions they face.
“It builds presence,” Terry said. “You learn how to listen deeply, and you learn how to separate everything that you have going on with your patient in room six from how you're interacting with your patient in room nine, even though room six might die and room nine has a stubbed toe. Mindfulness helps you, in a really healthy way, separate those things so you can be present for both of them at the same level.”
The School of Medicine’s commitment to weaving mindfulness into its curriculum has not only enhanced students’ ability to provide better patient care, but it has also elevated the school’s reputation globally.
“We've committed as a medical school to this teaching,” Jackson said. “We’re one of three in the world who have been given this distinction, and we're being seen as the leaders to bring it forward.”
Beyond rankings and recognition, this effort is about shaping future physicians who are not only skilled, but also self-aware, compassionate and better equipped to care for their patients — and themselves — throughout their careers.
“We are incorporating this really important part of being a human being into being a doctor,” Jackson said. “That's what's so unique, and it's the way forward of showing up as a physician.”
Nov 19, 2025
Co-chairs for annual UMKC Conservatory fundraising performance give back through time and talents
The UMKC Conservatory hosts its annual Crescendo gala each fall to celebrate their community and raise funds for student scholarships, facilities and more. The gala is hosted each year under the leadership of several chairs and honorary chairs, who generously serve with their time, talents and connections. This year’s chairs are Merrily Jackson, John Rensenhouse and Darren Sextro. Honorary chairs are Steve and Cathy Doyal.
These longtime supporters of the Conservatory, and the Kansas City arts community as a whole, provide valuable guidance and support to the Crescendo gala and Conservatory community. Many of them have been involved with the Conservatory for years, and chairing the Crescendo gala is just one more way they generously give back.
“I've served on the board of directors of the Friends of the Conservatory for four years, and that time has reinforced how critical it is to have arts education and arts training right in the middle of the city,” Sextro said. “Funding of that type of education requires philanthropic patronage, as has been the case around the world for centuries, and my volunteer time with Crescendo is one way to continue that type of philanthropic arts tradition.”
Jackson serves on the board of directors with Sextro. She finds great value and enjoyment in what the arts provide and believes strongly in the Conservatory’s contribution to the community.
“The UMKC Conservatory is Kansas City’s talent factory, in the very best sense,” Jackson said. “It sends a steady stream of music, dance and theatre professionals into the world, and we get a front-row seat to their brilliance before anyone else does.”
Rensenhouse is a producer, director, actor and current board president of the Kansas City Actors Theatre. He refers to Crescendo as a “legendary fundraiser” and appreciates the opportunity to give back to students who he often works with during theatre productions.
“As a producer with Kansas City Actors Theatre, we rely on the great talent in the theatre department for designers, actors and stage managers,” Rensenhouse said. “Almost every production we put on includes the work of a UMKC Conservatory student or graduate. The Conservatory brings young, bright minds to our city that might not otherwise come here. It is a great lifeline for the city.”
Honorary chair Steve Doyal is a current member of the UMKC Board of Trustees. He and wife Cathy are staunch supporters of the Kansas City arts community and have provided support to the Conservatory, Kansas City Ballet and Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
Jackson, Rensenhouse, Sextro and the Doyals all understand that a vibrant arts community doesn’t happen by accident. By intentionally investing their time and efforts into Crescendo and other causes, they ensure that Kansas City will remain a hub for artists and that the UMKC Conservatory will be a part of that hub.
“When artists become arts professionals, the fact that part of their origin story was at the UMKC Conservatory is a proud part of their journey,” Sextro said. “Knowing that I played some very modest role in that is meaningful. I can't normalize enough that arts patronage is the responsibility of any vibrant philanthropic community, so that's a proud part of my volunteer time and whatever knowledge I've picked up in this arena over the years.”
With the proceeds from the Crescendo gala supporting the Conservatory’s expansion, that impact becomes even more meaningful for future generations of students and arts patrons.
“I really believe in the mission to expand and update the Conservatory facilities,” Rensenhouse said. “It will make UMKC a much more desirable place to study and, in turn, enrich the Kansas City cultural community.”
“The Conservatory is vital to Kansas City’s arts community,” Jackson added. “Co-chairing Crescendo and being a part of that has been an honor and a thrill. I've gotten to know so many gifted professionals who are massively talented and who choose to share their proficiency with people coming up.”
Through the investment of their time, Jackson, Rensenhouse, Sextro and the Doyals are providing invaluable support to current and future Conservatory students. Their impact will ripple through the Kansas City arts community and beyond, as others enjoy the talents of those they have invested in.
Learn more about the Conservatory expansion and how you can make your own meaningful contribution.
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Nov 17, 2025
Your greatest gift may be the one not yet considered
The University of Missouri-Kansas City recently unveiled Blue & Bold: The Campaign for UMKC. People can support Kansas City’s top university in ways that work best for them with the Five Ts: time, treasure, talent, ties and testimony.
The Five Ts of philanthropy framework outlines meaningful ways to give back. Each "T" offers a distinct opportunity to support UMKC in ways that align with your personal values and strengths.
“There are many ways you can support the university — all of which are valued,” said UMKC Foundation President and Chief Advancement Officer Amanda Davis (MPA ’02). “We do need financial contributions, but we also need time, talent and connection.”
Time
Volunteering time is one of the most direct ways you can support the university. UMKC offers more than 60 constituent and community groups where people can serve on advisory boards, join committees or assist UMKC schools.
More ways people can support on a university-wide level:
Partner with Professional Career Escalators to mentor students and guide their career exploration from day one.
Share expertise and build connections within the UMKC community by joining Roo Network, the university’s online professional networking and mentoring platform.
Lend a hand at the Kangaroo Pantry in the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center by assisting with donation intake, welcoming and checking in pantry visitors and coordinating with donating partner organizations.
Want to give back to individual schools at UMKC? In addition to mid-year and spring commencement volunteer opportunities, each school offers unique ways to get involved.
Additional school-based opportunities:
Conservatory
Join the Conservatory Volunteer Program
School of Dentistry
Become a patient
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
Participate in psychology research
Treasure
Financial contributions help students thrive and programs flourish. People can make a secure online gift to the area that matters most to them or join Go-to Roos, the university’s recurring donor community, to provide consistent support through automatic monthly donations, complete with confirmation emails and annual tax receipts.
Before giving, donors should check whether their employer participates in the university’s employer matching gift program. Many companies will match — sometimes even triple — a donation, multiplying its impact and helping UMKC go even further together. In-kind gifts of goods or services, donated during a lifetime or through estate planning, offer another meaningful way to make a lasting impact, while faculty and staff have the option to contribute through payroll deduction.
“It’s incredibly meaningful when faculty and staff choose to give back,” Davis said. “They already dedicate long hours to the university, and then they go a step further through payroll deduction or other gifts. We want to celebrate that generosity and be careful stewards of those gifts — and all gifts we receive.”
Talent
At UMKC, professional skills and expertise are invaluable. Whether a person is a seasoned leader, creative thinker or an emerging professional, talent can make a big difference.
“We ask alumni to bring their talents back to UMKC, whether that’s serving on boards, helping with finance or governance or mentoring current students,” Davis said. “Those professional experiences make our programs stronger.”
Roo Network and Professional Career Escalators are great platforms to begin sharing talents with our community.
Ties
Personal and professional ties have the power to champion causes and amplify the university’s impact. UMKC Giving Day is an annual, 24-hour event dedicated to advancing the mission of the university while raising critical funding to provide transformational opportunities for our students.
Last year, the UMKC community raised over $1 million to support students and programs. Get involved and make a difference when Giving Day returns from noon to noon, March 3-4, 2026.
Testimony
Personal stories matter. Sharing a UMKC experience can inspire others to give and imagine their own future at UMKC. Whether online or face-to-face, individual voices amplify scholarships, programs and initiatives that will empower generations of students to come.
“When people share their stories about why they give, it inspires others to see how they can make an impact, too,” Davis said.
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Nov 14, 2025
Discover ways to give back to Veteran Support Services at UMKC, a three-time Military Friendly® Gold University
This Veterans Day, honor those who have served at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Whether through financial contributions or gifts of time and expertise, donor generosity helps student veterans thrive in the classroom and in civilian life.
Transitioning from military to civilian life comes with unique challenges, and UMKC is committed to walking that path alongside student veterans. The UMKC Office of Student Veteran Support Services is a one-stop shop for student veterans, offering scholarships, community programming, career development and outreach opportunities. With continued donor support, UMKC can expand these efforts to benefit more student veterans and their families.
Scholarships
The UMKC Office of Student Veteran Support Services provides unique, donor-funded scholarships to eligible student veterans and military-connected students.
“Receiving a scholarship has been an essential to continuing my studies and completing my degree while supporting my family,” said Jeffrey Eakins (B.A./M.A. ‘27), a retired U.S. Army veteran, husband and father of three. Eakins is also president of the UMKC Student Veterans Organization.
The Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count Award provides financial support to student veterans in honor of Duncan, who was killed in action in 2011. The funds are designated for use at the UMKC Bookstore, helping cover the cost of textbooks and supplies. The Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count Foundation has fully funded the award since 2013.
“We are grateful for their support and their impact on UMKC students over the years,” said Director of Major Giving Matt McDonough. “Because of the Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count Foundation, student veterans at UMKC have access to essential financial resources that help them achieve their academic goals."
The KAMO Adventures Veteran Scholarship supports disabled veterans with priority given to student veterans who have exhausted their educational benefits from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).
“The KAMO Scholarship is a great honor to receive,” said U.S. Navy veteran William Fondren (BBA ‘26). “It feels like that’s an organization saying, ‘We have your back and believe in the direction you're going.’”
Valor Partners Honoring America's Promise funded by the Geraldine and RA Barrows Foundation, a UMB Trustee, provides financial support to dependents and spouses of veterans who are rated 100% disabled by the VA, were prisoners of war or were killed in action. The program is partially funded by Valor Partners, matched by UMKC and operates under a five-year memorandum of understanding set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 academic year.
The UMKC Foundation connects individuals, families and organizations with opportunities to support students through scholarships and other forms of financial aid. Contributions can be structured to reflect the donor’s goals, offer immediate assistance or build a legacy of support.
To get started, contact Director of Major Giving Matt McDonough, mmcdonough@umkcfoundation.org.
Beyond these donor-funded scholarships, UMKC Financial Aid and Scholarships offers additional scholarships and resources for student veterans.
Programming
Donor support can help student veterans thrive academically and build community with programming designed to promote togetherness, support academic success and prepare student veterans for career advancement.
The UMKC Office of Student Veteran Support Services hosts monthly lunch-and-learn sessions in the At Ease Zone, located on the third floor of the Student Union.
“For many veterans, finding others on campus who truly understand your experiences can be challenging,” Eakins said. “The At Ease Zone provided that sense of belonging for me. It’s a communal space where meaningful and lasting relationships are built.”
Off campus, an annual year-end celebration is hosted at Callsign Brewing, a veteran-owned business in North Kansas City.
Both events offer informal networking and educational opportunities, with expenses currently paid for by the UMKC Office of Student Veteran Support Services.
The UMKC Office of Student Veteran Support Services wishes to expand its programming with a peer mentoring initiative based on the nationally recognized Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) model.
“The program would require a one-time implementation fee, but would offer lasting, structured support for student veterans,” said Director for Student Veteran Support Services Eric Gormly.
To explore options that support university programming for student veterans, contact the UMKC Office of Student Veteran Support Services at umkc-vetbenefits@umkc.edu or 816-235-5599.
Career Readiness
Veterans and professionals in the Kansas City community are encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise to support student veterans preparing to enter the workforce.
The UMKC Office of Student Veteran Support Services collaborates with UMKC Career Services to provide tailored career development resources and opportunities.
“We bring in Career Services to lead resume workshops, mock interviews and elevator pitch coaching sessions for our students,” Gormly said. “Additionally, with our support, the Student Veterans Organization has welcomed outside speakers in the past, and we are always looking for more opportunities to connect students with industry professionals.”
Past guest speakers have featured VA hiring representatives who provided insights on federal employment pathways.
Outreach
Expanding outreach is a key priority for the UMKC Office of Student Veteran Support Services, and donor support makes it possible to connect with more veterans across the region.
Career and education fairs at nearby military installations, including Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood, are designed to introduce UMKC’s academic programs and support services to prospective student veterans.
“Attendance fees can total several hundred dollars per fair, and donor contributions can help cover these costs, allowing the university to build relationships with future students,” Gormly said.
The UMKC Office of Student Veteran Support Services also provides personalized items for student veterans, which are in limited supply. These include student veteran Roo shirts, notebooks embossed with the university seal and challenge coins for graduating veterans.
In the summer, UMKC hosts an orientation session for incoming student veterans to connect with campus and community resources such as the Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City Vet Center and scholarship donors.
Combined, these outreach efforts strengthen the veteran community at UMKC and offer opportunities for donors to invest in students and continue these efforts.
“Leaving the military and coming back home was daunting,” Fondren said. “You start to realize some skills do not transfer over into civilian life, and education can help you find a translation for your skills. The UMKC Office of Student Veteran Support Services is the place where I can get all the information I need.”
For general inquiries, and to show your support for student veterans at UMKC, contact Director of Major Giving Matt McDonough, mmcdonough@umkcfoundation.org.
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Nov 11, 2025
Erin Carter is balancing books, babies and big dreams
When Erin Carter walks into a classroom at Henry W. Bloch School of Management, she’s not just a student. She’s a mother of four, first-generation college student and aspiring chief marketing officer.
Carter’s journey to UMKC began at Metropolitan Community College, where she earned her associate degree while pregnant with her youngest child. Motivated by a desire to secure a better future for her children and experience college in person, Carter transferred to UMKC to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing.“I wanted to be here,” Carter said. “I wanted to experience college in person. I wanted to be on campus and not just online.”Carter is the first in her family to attend college. That legacy weighs on her, but it also fuels her.“I want my kids to see that no matter your age or background, you can build a better life,” Carter said.
Support from UMKC has helped make that possible. Carter is a recipient of the UMKC Student Parent Success Grant, which provides financial assistance and resources to student parents balancing academics and caregiving.“The Student Parent Success Grant has been more than financial support,” Carter said. “It gave me the ability to focus on my education without constantly worrying about whether I was taking away from my kids’ needs. That support has helped me stay motivated and confident on my journey to graduation.”At UMKC, Carter quickly noticed a gap in student organizations focused on marketing. She helped revive the Marketing Leadership Association, creating opportunities for students to build real-world marketing portfolios through a partnership with Wayside Waifs, a local animal shelter.“I wanted to make sure people had something to show when they graduate,” Carter said. In addition to her own drive to succeed, Carter credits her professors for playing a key role in her progress. Adjunct professor David Patrick connected her to a one-day internship at his firm after she shared concerns about balancing internship opportunities with her responsibilities as a student parent.
“In a class of high achievers, she was a clear standout,” Patrick said. “Her peers identified her as one of the students they learned the most from, and her group ranked her highest in quality and quantity of work contribution. When I needed an intern for my company’s High Performance Marketing Boot Camp event, Erin quickly came to mind.”That experience ultimately led to a marketing internship at Tier One Solutions, a women-owned agency.
“I told him I needed help,” Carter said. “He listened. He didn’t judge me. That changed everything.”Carter’s ability to juggle school, work and parenting all at once boils down to relentless time management, which is evidenced by a wall of calendars at home. But Carter also leans on something less tangible: discipline.“I just kept showing up,” Carter said. “Even if my hair was messy or I didn’t have coffee — I showed up.”Carter’s goals are ambitious. She wants to become a chief marketing officer, work in brand strategy and eventually give back to Kansas City through mentorship and civic engagement.“I want to lead,” Carter said. “Anyone can be in a leadership position, but not everyone can be a leader. Plus, I’m doing this for my kids. I want them to see that you can do hard things.”
Carter’s story is part of the university’s broader effort to support non-traditional and first-generation students through scholarships and student support programs such as First Gen Roo, helping ignite the potential in every student. For Carter, that potential is already in motion.
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Nov 05, 2025
Journalist James B. Steele credits UMKC education for shaping investigative career
James B. Steele (B.A. '67, H.D. '04) is an American investigative journalist and author. For 40 years, he and writing collaborator Donald L. Barlett wrote for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Time and Vanity Fair and authored nine books. They were awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1975 for the series "Auditing the IRS" and again in 1989 for the series "The Great Tax Giveaway."
Steele began his career at The Kansas City Times while he attended UMKC. He recently was in Kansas City, where he delivered remarks to launch Blue & Bold: The Campaign for UMKC, and also spoke to a pre-journalism class at UMKC. Steele talked about how his career and life were shaped by his education at UMKC.
You’ve won two Pulitzer Prizes and built a legendary career in investigative journalism. How did UMKC help shape that path?
UMKC was pivotal for me. I came here in 1964 while working full-time as a young reporter at The Kansas City Times. I’d take classes in the morning, then go cover crime, politics and civic events until midnight. It wasn’t easy, but the teachers here pushed me. They challenged my thinking and demanded more of me. What I learned about research, organization and discipline at UMKC became the foundation for everything I did later as an investigative reporter.
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Jim Steele, second from left in back, visited with students in a pre-journalism class taught by Steve Kraske. Steele is a UMKC alumnus.| Photo by Stacy Downs, UMKC
You’ve mentioned an influential experience with a professor who steered you away from Hemingway and toward Faulkner. What did that lesson mean to you?
(Laughs.) Yes, that was my senior special readings course. I wanted to write about Hemingway — I’d read everything he wrote. My adviser saw through that and said: ‘You already know Hemingway. Why not Faulkner?’ I resisted. I didn’t like Faulkner back then. But he stood his ground. So I dove in and, much to my surprise, came to admire Faulkner deeply. That experience taught me a lifelong lesson: education isn’t about doing only what you like. It’s about being nudged into uncomfortable territory and discovering something new about yourself.
You often say that UMKC taught you how to think for yourself. What do you mean by that?
My English and history professors didn’t let us take the easy way out. They taught me how to research, how to analyze and how to structure complex information. In journalism, you’re constantly sifting through records, data, interviews — trying to make sense of it all. That’s what UMKC prepared me for. Historical research and long papers sound tedious, but they trained me to ask questions and keep digging until I found the truth.
You’re known for your meticulous research with your late writing partner, Donald Barlett. What draws you to that side of journalism?
Research is the most rewarding part. It’s like working a jigsaw puzzle — one piece doesn’t mean much by itself, but as you collect the others, the full picture emerges. It’s not glamorous. One Swedish journalist once wrote that Barlett and Steele were ‘about as exciting as watching paint dry.’ (Laughs.) But the results are anything but dull. Facts can be dramatic. They tell stories of power, policy and people — how decisions made at the top affect everyday Americans. That’s what keeps me at it.
Your work in the early 1990s predicted the decline of America’s middle class, long before it became conventional wisdom. How do you see that work today?
Back then, our analysis of tax, employment and trade data showed that the American middle class was shrinking. It was controversial at the time, but it’s undeniable now. The causes are still debated, but the trend is clear. It reinforced for me that facts — cold, hard facts — are essential to understanding our society. As I like to say, facts are the road to the truth.
Legendary investigative journalist Jim Steele talks to a pre-journalism class about what he learned as a student at UMKC. | Photo by Steve Kraske, UMKC
When you think about UMKC today, what stands out to you?
The campus still feels like an intellectual haven — green, welcoming, solid. The library was my favorite place. It was where I learned to love research. Coming back reminded me how much the university gave me, not just academically but personally. I wouldn’t have been able to attend without working my way through, and that’s why I believe in scholarships and professorships — investments in human potential. Education is about helping human beings grow.
What are your thoughts on the Blue & Bold campaign?
I admire that the Blue & Bold campaign goes beyond funding bricks and mortar — it’s about investing in human beings. It strengthens lives by supporting scholarships and professorships, creating opportunities that change futures. For me, it’s also deeply personal. It connects my own journey to today’s students. I wouldn’t have been able to attend college without UMKC’s support, especially while helping to support my family — just as so many students are doing now.
What advice would you give today’s students?
First, give your teachers some slack. When they push you, they’re doing you a favor. That’s how learning happens. Be patient and open to being challenged. Second, use the library — really use it. Explore, read, experiment. And if you want to write, read everything: the good, the bad, the brilliant. You learn by seeing how others put words and ideas together. There’s nothing quite like reading a master at work.
You’ve called UMKC “the place where I got what I needed.” What did you mean by that?
It reminds me of Mick Jagger’s line: ‘You can’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need.’ I didn’t always realize it then, dragging myself to class after a long shift at the newspaper, but UMKC gave me exactly what I needed: teachers who cared, who made me think harder and dig deeper. They helped me build the foundation that carried me through my entire career. For that, I’ll always be grateful.
You ended your UMKC remarks with a story about French writer André Maurois. Why did it resonate with you?
Maurois taught briefly here in the 1940s and wrote that he would ‘miss this lovely spot and these mutual friendships.’ That line captures what I feel, too. Like him, I left Kansas City but carried its influence with me for decades. Returning to UMKC reminded me that what happens here — the mentoring, the curiosity, the drive to understand — stays with you for life. And that’s something worth celebrating.
Finally, what keeps you motivated after a lifetime in journalism?
The pursuit of truth. The belief that facts matter. That’s what journalism — and education — are really about. They’re both acts of faith in the idea that, given enough light, people will see clearly. And it all started for me here at UMKC.
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Nov 05, 2025