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.