Five things to know about the nearly 150-year-old riverboat bell and its remarkable journey to the University Walkway
There is a new — and old — UMKC tradition ringing in this school year.
The historic bell now standing along the University Walkway may seem like a new addition to campus, but its story stretches back nearly 150 years. Before arriving at UMKC in the 1930s, the bell traveled the Ohio and Missouri rivers, survived a shipwreck and spent decades marking the rhythm of university life.
Now restored to a place of prominence on campus, it has plenty of stories to tell.
Photo courtesy of Chris Wolff | UMKC
It got its start on riverboats.
Long before it rang across the UMKC campus, the bell traveled America’s rivers. It was originally aboard a riverboat called the Warsaw, which made runs on the Ohio River. It later moved to the Jo Horton Fall, renamed the Valley Queen when the boat transferred to the Missouri River, carrying freight and passengers between Kansas City and Omaha. The bell also spent time aboard a tugboat at the Kansas City river wharf.
Photo courtesy of Chris Wolff | UMKC
It survived a shipwreck.
In May 1934, the Valley Queen struck a snag — a fallen tree or other wooden debris lodged in the riverbank — and sank. All passengers and crew escaped safely.
The bell was among the items salvaged from the wreck and purchased by Howard P. Treadway, a founding trustee of the then-University of Kansas City. He later donated it to the university, where it was installed in the tower of the liberal arts building, now Haag Hall.
It once signaled the start of classes.
For 15 years, the bell rang multiple times a day over the Volker Campus to mark the beginning of classes. But its role extended well beyond the daily schedule.
Students raced to the tower to ring it when Clarence Decker was announced as the university’s new president. It also rang to mark visits by U.S. presidents and international dignitaries, including President Harry Truman, Mexican President Miguel Alemán and a prime minister of Pakistan. And when Treadway died in 1939, the bell rang in his honor.
It fell silent for decades.
As UMKC grew and class schedules became more varied, ringing a bell to signal the start of classes no longer made sense. The bell made a special return for the university’s 50th anniversary, but after that, it remained silent for more than 40 years.
Photo by Brandon Parigo | UMKC
It went “missing” for a while.
After decades of silence, UMKC Campus Facilities believed the bell had been removed when air conditioning was installed in Haag Hall in the 1990s.
Then came 2020. When campus closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, campus historian Chris Wolff, who also manages the UMKC Bookstore, decided to solve the mystery. Air-conditioning ducts blocked access to the tower, but from the roof, he spotted it: The bell was still there, in its original UMKC home.
Campus Facilities Director Robbie Wren worked to restore the bell in the tower before it was eventually moved to its new home along the University Walkway, near Swinney Recreation Center. And this August, after a long silence, the bell rang once again, this time to welcome a new generation of Roos at Convocation.
A nearly 150-year journey from riverboat to shipwreck to university landmark has come full circle. And that’s a UMKC tradition that’s music to our ears.
Sep 02, 2026
Students can earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in just one year after completing their bachelor's degree
For students who dream of becoming middle school, high school or K-12 teachers, the path to the classroom doesn't have to begin with an undergraduate education degree. Instead, University of Missouri-Kansas City's 4+1 Master of Arts in Teaching program allows students to earn a bachelor's degree in the subject they want to teach before completing a Master of Arts in Teaching, also known as a MAT, in just one additional year.
The 4+1 program is available to students pursuing bachelor's degrees in content areas that align with Missouri teacher certification, including subjects such as English, history, mathematics, biology, chemistry, art and music. Students apply to the program during their undergraduate studies, complete prerequisite coursework and maintain the required academic standing before transitioning into the MAT program during their fifth year.
The program is specifically designed for students pursuing secondary education careers, allowing students to build expertise in the subject they want to teach before seamlessly transitioning into graduate-level teacher preparation.
That flexibility attracted students like Benjamin Lewis, who is pursuing a career as an art teacher through the 4+1 program. By majoring in art before entering the MAT program, Lewis is developing both the artistic foundation and classroom skills needed to inspire future students.
“Originally, I thought I was going to have to take a nontraditional route and get an alternative certification later,” Lewis said. “I heard about the 4+1 program while I was working as a student ambassador in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. My supervisor at the time heard about what my goals were and told me that’s exactly what the 4+1 program can do for me, and I was immediately set on it.”
During their undergraduate studies, students complete coursework in their designated major while fulfilling requirements for the 4+1 pathway. After earning their bachelor's degree, they spend one additional year completing the Master of Arts in Teaching program, where they receive advanced instruction in curriculum, the science of teaching and classroom practice, before entering the profession.
Because students specialize in the subjects they plan to teach, the 4+1 program offers faculty expertise and coursework tailored to their discipline during their graduate courses. Whether preparing to teach visual arts, science, mathematics or social studies, students learn teaching strategies designed for their specialized field, helping them connect their expertise to effective classroom instruction.
"Our students don't have to choose between studying what they love and becoming a teacher," said Sara R. Helfrich, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences. "They graduate with a strong academic foundation in their discipline and the teaching skills they'll need to lead a classroom."
As school districts continue seeking qualified teachers across a wide range of subject areas, the 4+1 pathway offers an efficient and intentional route for students who want to share their passion with the next generation.
Aug 31, 2026
For one Kansas City family, choosing Bloch wasn’t a coincidence but a deliberate step toward professional success
Most families approach college one at a time, but the Connellys are doing it together at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management. Wendy Connelly is enrolled in the Executive Master of Business Administration program while her children, Leo and Gryffin, are carving out their own experiences as high-achieving undergraduate business students.
Wendy’s return to school came after raising her two children and then earning a master’s degree in divinity. She co-founded a nonprofit and worked in the corporate world before deciding to reenter the classroom.
She looked for something that would both challenge and engage her.
“I knew pursuing another master’s degree was something I would value,” Wendy said. “UMKC was top of mind for me, and it was the only place I applied.”
She found what she was looking for in the Executive MBA program at UMKC, where a cohort-based structure brings students together through shared coursework and experiences.
“A former governor and a U.S. senator joined our public policy class,” Wendy said. “The next month our entire cohort traveled together to Washington, D.C., and next year we will study abroad. The program offers unique access and opportunities, and it has created a strong sense of community.”
Not long after Wendy began her program and Gryffin toured UMKC as a first-time college student, Leo — already a college student — made the decision to transfer to UMKC.
“Leo was excelling at her first school and was on the Dean's Honor Roll,” Wendy said. “But Leo learned more about UMKC after Gryffin's visit and was impressed with what UMKC offered. Without telling us and after reviewing materials about the Bloch School, Leo applied for a transfer within a few days of Gryffin's visit.”
Leo then met with Scott Ezzell, director of undergraduate admissions and recruitment at Bloch, and Gene Pegler, executive director of student affairs at Bloch, and they mapped out her classes together.
“At the Bloch School, we recognize that choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student will ever make, and we treat that journey with the personalized attention it deserves,” Ezzell said. “We work hard to see each prospective student as an individual, taking the time to understand their unique aspirations, backgrounds and specific needs for support. Our goal is to serve as a comprehensive resource from the first point of contact and ensure that once a student is admitted, they are seamlessly plugged into the vital resources that drive success.”
As a current UMKC student and mom to two college-aged kids, Wendy has experienced it from both sides, and that level of personalized support stood out to her.
“That's the kind of attention that sets UMKC apart,” Wendy said.
When asked about what this experience means to her, Leo said: “It’s nice to have support from my family, especially when we’re all pursuing business together.”
Now a sophomore, she is involved in Bloch Launchpad, an immersive professional development and leadership program that brings students together for weekly sessions with guest speakers and offers unparalleled access to Kansas City’s business community. Leo is also a recipient of the Chancellor’s Transfer Award.
“I’ve really enjoyed Launchpad,” Leo said. “They bring in different lecturers each week, and we do a lot of team activities.”
Outside of business, Leo is also pursuing a minor in film — an interest she’s had since childhood.
“I’ve been really into art since I was a kid, and I thought pairing my management degree with a minor in the arts could help me become an art director,” Leo said.
Gryffin, the youngest, was drawn to the Bloch School for its More in 4 program.
“Gryffin had applied both locally and far and wide, and turned down huge scholarship offers elsewhere,” Wendy said. “For him, there was no match anywhere to the accelerated More in 4 program, where he could earn both his Bachelor and Master of Science in Accounting in four years.”
For Gryffin, the More in 4 program allows him to stay ahead early in his college experience.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to start my career earlier than most,” Gryffin said, “and it opens more doors for me by giving me a few extra years of experience.”
He’s currently exploring interests in investment and financial analysis, while also having shared his musical talents at the UMKC Conservatory’s annual jazz festival with his high school.
With three family members already navigating Bloch together, the Connellys’ connection to UMKC runs even deeper. Wendy’s husband, Mark Connelly, Ph.D., M.S., is a professor at the UMKC School of Medicine and a clinical health psychologist at Children’s Mercy.
"Education and a love of learning have always been core values in our family,” Wendy said. “Beyond his work as a professor, our kids watched Mark complete another degree last year.”
That shared mindset on the value of education has made their overlapping time at Bloch feel natural. For Wendy, there’s also a sense of reassurance in seeing her children navigate the same environment.
"Since preschool, we’ve had a send-off tradition: ‘Wisdom in your head, love and courage in your heart, hands to serve others’,” Wendy said. “My hope is that wherever they go, they’ll always think not only about their own growth but also about how they can use it to serve others. UMKC shares that focus and provides opportunities for them to grow in service and community leadership.”
Side by side, the Connellys are making their way through Bloch and setting the foundation for what comes next.
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Aug 26, 2026
Missouri and Kansas leaders rally behind regional initiative to strengthen U.S. supply chains
Critical materials power modern life — from cellphones, batteries and semiconductors to medical technologies, pharmaceuticals and national defense. Yet the United States imports most of the rare-earth minerals it consumes, leaving essential industries vulnerable to disruptions in foreign supply chains.
A bistate initiative led by the University of Missouri-Kansas City aims to change that — and make the Kansas City region a national hub for critical materials innovation and production.
Government, business, civic and university leaders from Missouri and Kansas gathered Friday at Union Station to celebrate the launch of the U.S. National Science Foundation Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, backed by an award of up to $160 million from the NSF.
That collaboration was on display at Union Station, with leaders from across the political spectrum and both sides of the state line, including Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas, along with NSF, university, business and civic leaders.
“Missouri and Kansas recognized an opportunity before us, and we chose to compete for the future together,” Kehoe said. “That’s good for our region, and it’s great for our country.”
The location was fitting. Saved and restored after Missouri and Kansas voters approved a bistate tax in 1996, Union Station stands as a symbol of what the region can accomplish when it works across state lines. Now, leaders are rallying there around another ambitious regional undertaking.
“Since 1996, when voters from Missouri and Kansas approved the rescue and renovation of Union Station, this grand building has become a symbol of bistate collaboration and the great things that can happen when people work together across state lines,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “Today, we embark on our region’s next great endeavor.”
Building a Domestic Supply Chain
Critical materials include metals and minerals such as nickel, chromium, magnesium, copper, lithium, cobalt, graphite, gallium and rare earth elements. They are essential to transportation, healthcare, communications, energy, advanced technologies and national defense.
“We learned during the pandemic just how vulnerable our supply chains are and can be,” said U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas, in recorded remarks. “When we rely too heavily on other countries for critical materials and components, a disruption halfway around the world can mean higher prices, empty shelves or delays for American businesses and families.”
Critical Materials Crossroads aims to build a new domestic critical materials ecosystem in the Missouri and Kansas region — bringing together research, innovation, workforce development, manufacturing and commercialization to strengthen U.S. supply chains and position the Kansas City region to compete globally.
“The $160 million investment that’s going to be made right here is part of a broader effort to bring these supply chains home,” Schmitt said. “We simply cannot rely on China for all the critical materials we need, from everything from iPhones to the materials we need to build fighter jets.”
The initiative has drawn support from more than 260 leaders and organizations across Missouri, Kansas and beyond. Universities, businesses, government agencies, workforce organizations and civic leaders have united around the effort. Stakeholder groups set up booths at the event including Arco Construction, Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell, City of Sugar Creek, Enterprise KC, Full Employment Council, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Great Jobs KC, GreenTec Auto, IT Recycling Answers, Kiessinger-Hunter, Kissick Construction, KS Department of Commerce, MO Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Geological Survey, MRC Recycling, National Lab of the Rockies, NorthPoint Development, Scrap Advisors and Wagner Logistics.
“The NSF Engines represent the best of American innovation, and the Critical Materials Crossroads Engine’s inclusion in that class signals just how important this region is to America’s success in the long term,” said Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for technology, innovation and partnerships at National Science Foundation, who spoke at the event. “America is counting on you to turn that cooperation into a new generation for America’s critical materials industry, upon which every sector of our economy depends on a daily basis.”
Once-In-A-Generation Opportunity
The initiative represents the largest grant ever awarded to UMKC and the University of Missouri System. But its ambitions extend well beyond university research.
The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program is designed to bring together academia, industry, government and nonprofit organizations to turn research and innovation into new technologies, businesses, jobs and economic growth.
Within the decade, Critical Materials Crossroads is projected to generate $40 billion in gross economic output, support approximately 10,000 jobs and spur more than $3 billion in public-private investment across the greater Kansas City region.
Anthony Caruso, UMKC vice chancellor for strategic initiatives, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Physics and Electrical Engineering and the principal investigator for Critical Materials Crossroads, put the importance of critical materials in everyday terms.
“The coffee you brewed this morning, the cool air in this room, the sound system you are listening to, your method of transportation to this event, the display on your mobile device — all of the machines that serve you and the world daily require critical materials,” Caruso said.
The region brings strategic advantages to the challenge, including its central location, extensive rail, river and road transportation networks and deep expertise in advanced manufacturing, materials research and engineering.
A Region Rallies Behind the Effort
Just weeks after Kansas City demonstrated its ability to come together to welcome the world for the World Cup, regional leaders pointed to Critical Materials Crossroads as another opportunity to channel that collaborative spirit into an initiative with potentially generational impact.
“We have the talent. We have the research capacity. We have the industry. We have the universities,” Agrawal said. “And, most importantly, we have partners on both sides of the state line who understand that the biggest opportunities in front of us are bigger than any one university, company, city or state.”
At Friday’s event, regional business and civic leaders announced the formation of a leadership group that will work alongside UMKC and Critical Materials Crossroads partners to champion the initiative, attract companies in the critical materials sector and help build the regional ecosystem necessary to sustain the effort.
Cameron Garrison, chair of the UMKC Board of Trustees, a partner at Lathrop GPM and a longtime civic leader, said the business community sees Critical Materials Crossroads as more than a university research initiative.
“We knew it could be a catalyst for fostering local innovation,” Garrison said. “We could see from the beginning that this was not only a bold and innovative idea but also a transformative project that would forever change this region.”
For Garrison, the gathering at Union Station marked both an achievement and a starting point.
“We mark today’s milestone achievement with great pride and enthusiasm,” he said. “However, we know that the hard work truly begins now.”
What Leaders Are Saying About the NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe: “Missouri is a destination for the industries that will drive America’s future. Whether it’s advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, life sciences, agriculture, engineering or cutting-edge research, we’re not waiting for the future to come to us. We’re building it here.”
U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri: “We have become a pretty big deal, Kansas City, and not just in football. This is a Super Bowl win. This is a big deal.”
U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas: “I especially love seeing institutions like UMKC, KU and Kansas State working together across state lines, because that is what this region does so well. We bring people together, we figure out what we are good at and then we actually start to build something. This award is proof that Kansas City can be a national leader in doing exactly that.”
Todd Graves, chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators: “This initiative demonstrates what can happen when higher education, industry and government unite behind a shared purpose. This significant investment positions Missouri to lead in an area that is vital to our nation’s future while creating lasting opportunities for our universities, citizens and economy.”
Mun Choi, president of University of Missouri System: “I can’t wait to see this project take hold so we can unleash the $17 billion of economic impact to this region, right here in Missouri, right here in Kansas.”
Aug 21, 2026
UMKC Conservatory brings dancers together to learn and create
Dancers from across the country will have a new opportunity to train, connect and create at the first-ever KCMOves Festival, taking place Sept. 4 to 7, presented by the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory.
The four-day festival brings together current students, alumni, professional dancers, choreographers and teachers to learn, create and connect. With an impressive roster of guest artists, KCMOves invites dancers at all stages of their training to learn from established artists and expand their creative practice.
For Caroline Dahm, UMKC dance professor and alumna, the festival reflects the Conservatory’s longstanding connection to the Kansas City dance community.
“The UMKC Conservatory is a pillar of the Kansas City dance community,” Dahm said. “Many of our alums continue to expand on their artistry in Kansas City even years after graduation. Our city’s dance community is largely made up of UMKC graduates.”
KCMOves builds on that role while extending the Conservatory’s reach beyond Kansas City. The festival welcomes dancers from across the country, bringing together emerging artists, established professionals, alumni and educators in one place.
Kickoff Master Class
One of the festival’s highlights is a master class at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4 with Conservatory alumnus Kameron Saunders (BFA), an internationally recognized dancer and artist most known for being a backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. Participants will have the opportunity to train with Saunders and other guest artists, like Guggenheim Fellow Gary Abbott, gaining exposure to new approaches to movement, choreography and performance.
Opening Performance
The festival will open with a free public KCMOves Festival performance at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center. Dahm will dance and restage one of her works, while Christian Denice, a world-renowned choreographer and teacher, will present his work, “Fragments.”
The event will bring together artists from across the Midwest for an evening of bold choreography, powerful storytelling and movement. A reception will follow, offering all attendees an opportunity to connect and celebrate the beginning of the festival.
Community Lectures with Art Therapy Experts and Guggenheim Fellows
KCMOves is about more than dance training. The festival also invites the public to attend two free lectures, including “Art As Therapy,” a community lecture panel at the UMKC Conservatory.
The panel will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, and will bring together artists from a variety of disciplines to discuss how creative practices can become powerful tools for healing, connection and personal growth.
Panelists include:
• Amy Robertson, director of music therapy at UMKC and researcher of music therapy for premature infants
• Karen Savage, professor of collaborative piano and coordinator of chamber music at UMKC
• Paul Rudy, Curators’ distinguished professor of music composition, known as “the High Priest of Sound”
• Jarrett McCourt, assistant professor of Tuba and Euphonium at UMKC
• Suzanne Ryanstrati, former UMKC dance professor and current faculty member of the Kansas City Ballet
• Sun Joo Lee, assistant professor in music therapy at UMKC, who does clinical research with individuals with neurological diseases. Lee is the music director of Tremble Clefs, a therapeutic singing group for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Together, the panelists will explore how movement, music and interdisciplinary collaboration can support resilience, self-discovery and transformation.
Students, educators, artists and community members are all invited to explore the ways creative expression can support both individual and collective well-being. A Q and A with refreshments will follow the panel, giving attendees an opportunity to engage directly with the artists.
A second panel at 6 p.m. Sept. 6 features Guggenheim Fellows Gary Abbott and Paul Rudy in conversation about innovation, listening and the power of collaboration across disciplines.
An Invitation to All
While the festival is hosted by the UMKC Conservatory in Kansas City, its invitation extends far beyond the region. Dancers from across the country are encouraged to register and be part of the first KCMOves Festival. The festival’s public lectures and kickoff performance also invite the broader community to experience and engage with the art form.
Registration and festival information are available at KCMOves’s website.
Aug 20, 2026
UMKC is investing in student success, healthcare innovation and the arts
Across all schools and programs, UMKC continues to evolve in ways that matter. Whether you're returning to campus or arriving for the first time, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a Roo. Here’s a look at what’s new and upcoming this year at UMKC.
KC Streetcar UMKC Stop
Getting to campus has never been easier! This is the first fall semester where students can ride the KC Streetcar to Volker Campus. The Union Station stop is also a short walk away from our Health Sciences Campus.
Ridership for the KC Streetcar since the Main Street Extension has grown, showing the UMKC stop as one of the most used on the line.
New Screens on Campus
Things are looking bright on campus. New video boards have been installed at both Durwood Soccer Stadium and the Cherry Street Garage. If you haven't caught a Roo soccer match lately, now is the time. The men's team has earned a national ranking for the third straight year (Top 25), and the new screens make game day even more exciting. You'll also spot the Cherry Street Garage board when traveling along Oak Street.
Ringing in a New But Old Tradition
This 1,100-pound bell, originally gifted to the university by businessman Howard Treadway after he rescued it from a wrecked riverboat, once rang daily between classes at Haag Hall. It has been silent since 1983, but it is being relocated to a more visible spot near Swinney Recreation Center. Students and the surrounding community can look forward to hearing it again when Chancellor Mauli Agrawal rings it during this year's Convocation!
Olson Performing Arts Center Addition
The expansion of the Olsen Performing Arts Center will include a large music ensemble performance and rehearsal space, two dance rehearsal rooms and support spaces for the dance program and a new, accessible black-box performance space to be used by all three Conservatory programs. Current facilities, including White Recital Hall, will also be renovated during this project. The groundbreaking of this project is Sept. 23.
Atterbury Student Success Center Expansion
Beautifully updated, the Atterbury Student Success Center will have its grand opening on Oct. 20. Atterbury will be home to Admissions, Advising, the Center for Transfer Students and Adult Learners, Career Services, University College and International Student and Scholar Services. It will also include an inviting welcome center with a two-story atrium to host prospective students and their families. Pierson Auditorium also has been renovated.
UMKC Roos Basketball Returns to Municipal Auditorium
The Roos are heading back downtown! This season, the UMKC Men's Basketball team will play its entire home schedule at historic Municipal Auditorium. The Women's Basketball team will split home games between Municipal Auditorium and the Swinney Center on Volker Campus. Fans can get an early look during exhibition games on Oct. 24, which also happens to be World Kangaroo Day.
Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building
Set to open in February 2027, the 200,000-square-foot Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building will house dental clinics, cutting-edge research, medical education and interdisciplinary collaboration in the heart of the UMKC Health Sciences District.
The building, the largest capital project in UMKC history, will include simulation and digital anatomy labs, expanded classroom space and community-focused health programs, making it a vital resource for both student learning and regional healthcare innovation.
Aug 17, 2026
Sean O'Brien honored by Innocence Project for landmark Missouri exoneration
When Sean O’Brien (J.D. ’80) graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, he was prepared for a career in business and tax law but soon found his calling in public defense. More than four decades later, the Innocence Project honored him with its Award for Freedom and Justice, recognizing his role in ending a St. Joseph woman’s 43-year incarceration, the longest known wrongful incarceration of a woman in U.S. history.
Throughout his career, O’Brien has defended clients on death row, helped free wrongfully convicted people through pro bono work and successfully argued two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
O’Brien estimates he is directly responsible for litigation that has helped 43 people in cases involving death sentences, wrongful convictions and juvenile offenders sentenced to life without parole.His relationship with the Innocence Project dates to its founding in 1992 and has continued ever since.
“I am typically the Innocence Project’s go-to lawyer when they need local counsel in a Missouri case,” O’Brien said. “The Schlup v. Delo case that I did in 1995 sets the standard for actual innocence in habeas corpus litigation in America, so I have been called in as a consultant or co-counsel on a lot of the Innocence Project’s cases over the years.”
The O'Brien family after Sean argued the Schlup v. Delo case in Kansas City in 1994.
The Innocence Project began in 1992 at the Cardozo School of Law in New York, New York. Over time, similar groups formed across the country; some based at law schools, others operating as independent nonprofits. They work separately but stay connected through the Innocence Network, a loose coalition that provides annual training, fundraising support and other programs.
In 2003, O’Brien joined the founding board of directors for the Midwest Innocence Project, serving until 2010. He has remained active in innocence work, including his work in the exoneration of Sandra Hemme.
Sandra Hemme, center, with her sister and granddaughter minutes after her release. Photo by Sean O’Brien.
Hemme was 20 years old when she falsely confessed to a 1980 murder she did not commit in St. Joseph, Missouri. She was exonerated in December 2024 after serving 43 years in prison. Upon release, she was 64 years old.
“What is unusual about this case is that the New York team hired my daughter Quinn to be Sandy’s lead investigator, and when the investigation was substantially complete, they asked me to be local counsel,” O’Brien said. “I was the only lawyer in the courtroom, including the judge, who was born before Sandy went to prison. In fact, I had been a lawyer for less than three months when Sandy went to prison, so she has been there for most of my legal career.”
He remembers Hemme as a remarkable client.
Sean O'Brien waiting for Sandra to be released.
“She demonstrated bravery and kindness throughout her ordeal. It was a privilege to represent her,” O’Brien said.
The Innocence Project’s recognition, he added, carries special meaning.
“This was truly a meaningful recognition, coming from lawyers I have known and admired for many years,” O’Brien said. “It’s a nice capstone for a meaningful career. I have received other awards, but this one comes from the seasoned advocates in the trenches, and I can’t begin to say how much that means to me.”
O’Brien’s impact extends into the classroom. In 2023, the UMKC School of Law alumnus was named Alumnus of the Year by the UMKC Alumni Association. The following year, he received the University of Missouri System Board of Curators' Distinguished Teaching Professor designation, the university system's highest academic honor, recognizing his excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.
Professor O’Brien retires from UMKC on September 1 after nearly 22 years with the UMKC School of Law.
Alongside his daughter, Quinn, and several former students, O’Brien launched the nonprofit organization, the Investigation and Advocacy Service, to continue fighting wrongful convictions.
“My mother is a teacher, and it was a lifetime of her guidance that allowed me and my father to realize we also enjoyed teaching and guiding others,” Quinn O’Brien said. “When we set up IAS, it was with the idea that we would help other attorneys and their teams advocate for wrongfully convicted people. Hollywood makes movies about our clients' stories, so it's not hard to understand why people are interested in this work and want to do this with us. IAS allows us to assist and train people motivated to do wrongful conviction work.”
Sandra Hemme’s defense team after oral arguments before the Court of Appeals. From left, kneeling: Ji-hye Rhee, paralegal, and Jane Pucher, Innocence Project staff attorney; standing: Kayla Johnson, intern, Kanani Schnider, paralegal, Sandra Hemme, Sean O’Brien, Andrew Lee, Innocence Project staff attorney, and Quinn O’Brien.
Working alongside her father has given Quinn O’Brien a firsthand view of the leadership style that has defined his career.
“My dad is the best boss I have ever worked for, and not because he’s my father,” she said. “He works harder than anyone on the team and leads by example. My dad creates a team environment where every person on the team is valued for both their unique professional skillset and who they are as a person. Having a team of people around you that you trust and respect is critical. It helps if one of those people is your father.”
Quinn said her father’s commitment to clients extends far beyond the courtroom.
“People my father defended as the Jackson County Public Defender in 1985, people who were convicted and sentenced to life in prison, are becoming eligible for parole now,” she said. “It may be 40 years later, but those people are still my father’s clients, and he will still advocate for them at this stop on their journey through the justice system. That’s what client-centered advocacy is: never abandoning the people you promised to zealously defend.”
In retirement, Sean O’Brien and his daughter will teach investigation courses at the UMKC School of Law and involve students directly in their work.
“The main thing is that nobody does this work alone,” O’Brien said. “It takes a team of dedicated professionals. When you get someone out of prison, you feel like you’ve moved a mountain because the prosecution fights so hard to preserve their unjust conviction. It is way too easy to convict an innocent person, and way harder than it should be to free them.”
For current UMKC law students, O’Brien’s advice is simple and direct: “You can use your law degree to do legally, morally and spiritually significant work. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Aug 17, 2026
Longtime UMKC staff member honored for a remarkable career on and off the football field
University of Missouri-Kansas City students and employees may know Jerry Blanton as the associate director of the Student Union. But before his career at UMKC, Blanton made his mark on another Kansas City institution: the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, that career has earned him a place among football greats.
Blanton was inducted into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame on June 26 as a member of its Class of 2026. The organization is the nation’s only state-specific professional football hall of fame.
"Being elected to the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame is greatest recognition an athlete can receive in any sport," Blanton said. "So, I am blessed."
His UMKC colleagues feel awestruck.
“We were incredibly proud to learn that one of our very own had been inducted into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame,” said Jody Jeffries, director of the Student Union. “The magnitude of Jerry’s achievement really hit home for me when I saw the incredible list of names he was joining: Johnny Unitas, Paul Hornung, Phil Simms, George Blanda and even his college and professional teammate, former Chief Art Still.”
Blanton, a native of Toledo, Ohio, attended the University of Kentucky, where in 1974 he became the first true freshman to start a varsity football game in program history. He helped the Wildcats win the SEC Championship and Peach Bowl in 1976 and finished his college career with 389 tackles.
Selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 1978 NFL Draft, Blanton joined the Chiefs the following year and spent his entire seven-year NFL career in Kansas City. The inside linebacker became a starter in 1980 and had his best season in 1983, leading the Chiefs with 136 tackles. He retired in 1985 after playing in 92 NFL games.
His impact didn't end when he left the field. Blanton worked as a criminal investigator with the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office before serving as deputy commissioner of Kentucky State Parks, where he became the highest-ranking African American in the department’s history. Today, he continues his career of service at UMKC, where he started working in 2010.
"What I like most about working at the university is the relationships that you build with your colleagues and meeting students who are trying to fulfill their dreams and become successful," he said.
Blanton's character is what colleagues say makes his recognition particularly meaningful.
“Jerry is a quiet, humble and reserved person who would probably never seek recognition for himself,” said Janet Dexter, a facility manager at UMKC, in an email to colleagues. “However, an accomplishment of this magnitude deserves to be celebrated and recognized by all of us.”
Blanton’s football story has also become a family legacy. His son, Kendall Blanton, is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.
“Jerry’s induction is a tremendous testament to his remarkable career and the lasting impact he has made both on and off the field,” Jeffries said.
Dexter echoed that pride in her email.
“We are proud to have you as a member of the UMKC family," she wrote. "And we sincerely appreciate your continued service and dedication to our university.”
Aug 17, 2026
Key theatre, dance and music performances around theme “A Place We Call Home”
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory is announcing cornerstone performances in its 2026-27 calendar, including a new Dean’s Signature Series. This series highlights theatre, dance and music performances that embody the theme “A Place We Call Home.”
“This theme invites you to reflect on the spaces, people and experiences that shape who we are as artists and as a community,” said Courtney Crappell, dean of the UMKC Conservatory. “Home can be rooted in geography, memory, tradition or belonging. It can be inherited, discovered or created. We’ll explore these ideas across our performance season and examine the ways we carry a sense of home with us as we grow and change.”
This theme comes at a time when the Conservatory’s own home is growing. The expansion of the Olson Performing Arts Center will break ground on Sept. 23, bringing new facilities and opportunities to the students and community. The expansion will add crucial performance and rehearsal spaces for students in all three disciplines.
Cornerstone performances include “Sounding a Nation,” a collection of Pulitzer-Prize winning works performed by the Conservatory Symphony Orchestra; “Working,” a musical by Stephen Schwartz; “Suor Angelica” and “Gianni Schicchi” by Giacomo Puccini; “The Listening House,” part of the Conservatory’s NEXUS series; and more. Check the Conservatory’s season highlights page for the most current information on performances.
Join the Conservatory to enjoy Kansas City’s next generation of performers at the Dean’s Signature Series events:
“Sounding a Nation,” Conservatory Symphony Orchestra Concert
• Sept. 18, White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center • Dr. Christopher Kelts kicks off the Dean’s Signature Series with an evening of Pulitzer-Prize winning orchestral works.
Conservatory Wind Symphony Concert
• Sept. 24, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts • Conductor Steven D. Davis and the Conservatory Wind Symphony return to Helzberg Hall to celebrate contemporary composers and the stories they share through music.
“Working,” a musical by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso (Oct. 14-17)
• Oct. 14-17, Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center • Our home away from home: this musical explores and celebrates our lives at work — the places in which we often spend more time than our actual homes.
“At the Heart of Kansas City,” Conservatory Choirs and Orchestra
• Oct. 19, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts • UMKC Conservatory Choirs and Symphony Orchestra combine forces for an evening at Helzberg Hall
Fall Dance Performance
• Oct. 23-25, Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center • The Conservatory Dance Division presents an evening of works exploring the universal idea of home — its meanings, memories and contradictions.
“Corners Grove,” a play by Kayla Mei Shing Garver
• Oct. 30-Nov. 2, The Arts Asylum • An adaptation of the classic “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, Garver's play reimagines the action of the play through the eyes of the younger generation as they explore identity, belonging, the excitement of an unknown future and how chosen family can provide the truest "home" they'll ever know.
“Passage,” a play by Christopher Chen
• Nov. 18-21, The Arts Asylum • Inspired in part by E.M. Forster's “A Passage to India,” Chen's play explores relationships between members of two communities — those who have been colonized and the colonizers themselves — after an unfortunate encounter results in unjust treatment and negative fallout. Chen invites us to rethink how we engage with other cultures, and other worlds, as we all endeavor to find places we can call our own.
“A Celebration of Peace,” Conservatory Choirs and Allegro Choirs
• Feb. 16, 2027, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts • The UMKC Conservatory Choirs and the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City perform the Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams in Helzberg Hall.
“Suor Angelica” and “Gianni Schicchi,” two 1-act operas by Giacomo Puccini
• March 3-6, 2027, White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center • Banished from home: when Angelica is forced to join a convent, she finds a new community and a deep spiritual connection. • Inheriting home: can Gianni, a doting father, ensure his daughter has a home while also navigating money troubles with her new in-laws? Puccini’s dark comedy will leave you laughing all the way home.
“The Winter's Tale,” a play by William Shakespeare
• March 16-20, 2027, Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center • When King Leontes, ruler of Sicilia, succumbs to unjustified jealousy, his anger throws the realm into chaos and shatters his once-stable alliance with Bohemia. Shakespeare's ingenious blend of moving tragedy, whimsical comedy and pastoral rebirth creates a magical world where the two kingdoms must navigate a painful path of loss and misfortune to find their way home to redemption.
“The Listening House” by Paul Rudy
• April 7, 2027, White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center • “The Listening House” invites audiences into a shared environment of sound, movement, participation, video and temporary structures to explore home as something we build together through attention. This performance is part of the NEXUS series.
Conservatory Finale
• April 20, 2027, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts • A long-time favorite of the Kansas City performing arts community, this spring event highlights performers in all disciplines, along with faculty and alumni.
“Failure: A Love Story” by Philip Dawkins
• May 5-8, 2027, The Arts Asylum • A series of ups and downs has defined the life of the Fail Family for a generation, and Mortimer's introduction to the Fail sisters and their brother, John, seems to only be inviting more of the same. Despite life's ongoing struggles, Dawkins’s heartfelt play challenges us to embrace the joyous moments of existence, however fleeting, and to treasure the loves we encounter along the way that lead us back home.
Aug 13, 2026
Eight oral healthcare providers across four generations trace their roots to the UMKC School of Dentistry, building a legacy of patient care and se...
For more than 100 years, proud UMKC School of Dentistry alumni in the Kutina family have been practicing across Kansas. The family, boasting dentists and hygienists educated at UMKC, appreciate their shared legacy, milestones and memories from the school.
The past year especially has given the family, with a total of eight oral healthcare practitioners across four generations, the opportunity to reflect on their years at UMKC and all the school has given them.
“I have great pride when I think of four generations of dentists all graduating from the same school,” said Larry Kutina (DDS ’88). “To be able to provide dental care for more than 100 years is an incredible journey and a legacy I am very proud to be a part of.”
The family’s legacy began with George Kutina (DDS ’25), who opened his dental office in Great Bend, Kansas, in 1925. George’s son, Loren (DDS ’61), joined the practice shortly after his own dental school graduation. And Loren’s son, Larry, joined the family practice in 1989.
Larry’s chief memory of his grandfather George is his unfailing work attire. Every day, he wore a crisp, white button-down shirt and a smock with a black tie.
“I look back at those old pictures, I don’t know if I could have practiced with spittoons getting passed around, using belt driven handpieces while performing stand-up dentistry with no stool,” Larry said. “My back couldn’t handle that.”
Larry worked alongside his dad for about 13 years until Loren retired in 2002. Larry fondly remembers attending the Midwest Dental Conference (MDC) with his dad, getting to see Loren in a different light and hearing stories about his grandpa.
One of Larry’s favorite family stories is about a time George and Loren shared a hotel room while attending the conference. Every MDC, George and a few other dentists would get together to play poker. One of those nights, Loren went out with his own buddies. He got back to their room in the early morning hours and snuck in quietly to avoid waking his dad.
“But my grandfather was nowhere to be found,” Larry said. “When my dad woke up at 6 a.m., there was my grandfather, already awake and brushing his teeth — no mention of how late that poker game went.”
Larry’s son, Andrew (DDS ’18), reflected fondly on the days when his dad and grandpa Loren practiced together.
“I remember a lot of days just sitting in there or running up and down the hall,” said Andrew. “It was the ’90s. Times were different compared to today.”
According to Larry’s children, dentistry was never pushed on either of them. Andrew wanted to be a dentist for as long as he can remember. His sister, Elizabeth (DDS ’23), decided on dentistry after she completed her undergrad at Kansas State University. Now, Andrew is practicing in Manhattan, Kansas, and Elizabeth is practicing in the Wichita area.
Andrew (right) and his dad continue the family tradition, hooding Elizabeth at her class ceremony in 2023.
Both siblings have treated patients who were former patients of their dad. Andrew can count more than 20, and one or two even remember Andrew assisting his dad at the clinic in Great Bend. According to Andrew, Manhattan is a popular choice for retirees from Great Bend, as well as other small towns in western Kansas, who are looking to retire to a bigger city.
“Some of my first patients were ones that remember me assisting for my dad,” said Andrew. “That was a real full circle moment for me.”
Father, son and daughter have shared a number of School of Dentistry milestones, from white coat ceremonies to graduation. Loren and Larry were the ones to hood Andrew, and Andrew and Larry took part in Elizabeth’s hooding ceremony.
Larry cherishes how his relationships with his kids have evolved.
“Our texting has changed. I’m like a mentor from afar,” said Larry, who still practices in Great Bend. “It’s been cool to be that for them, help them with some situations, not just techniques for practicing dentistry, but some patient management things too.”
Larry’s enthusiasm for dentistry was imprinted on Elizabeth early on and has stuck with her. When she and her brother were growing up, every time Larry got a new piece of equipment, he wanted to show his kids how it worked. She fondly remembers the time her dad got his first-generation CEREC mill and then showed them how he could produce crowns in his office.
“He was always teaching us,” said Elizabeth. “Until recently, I did not know just how much I absorbed and had taken into my daily practice now.”
Their family history in dentistry is special for all three of them, and Andrew and Elizabeth are proud to have this connection to their great grandfather, some 100 years later.
“It is such a special legacy,” said Elizabeth. “Not many people can say they share something so strong with so many generations of their family.”
Other members of the Kutina family who are also UMKC School of Dentistry graduates include Alan Marcotte (DDS ’89), son of George’s daughter, Mary. Alan was classmates with Larry during dental school, and went on to practice in Winfield, Kansas. And Larry wasn’t the only child of Loren’s to go into the dental field. Larry’s sisters, Julie (BSDH ’81) and Jan (BSDH ’86) also went to UMKC. Julie retired from dental hygiene in 1987, and Jan works in the Kutina family practice with her brother.
“I’m so thankful to the UMKC School of Dentistry for starting and continuing my family’s legacy,” Larry said.
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Aug 12, 2026
Holly has played a role helping her owner and future students at UMKC and UM System
Booties on all four paws. Safety goggles. A protective covering over her coat. All geared up, Holly finds her mat in the alcove near Mollie Stark's workstation and gets comfortable.
Holly is a goldendoodle service dog trained to detect changes in Stark's blood sugar before her medical devices can.
"I knew people were going to look and talk whenever I brought Holly into the lab," Stark said. "But if I saw a cute dog in the lab, I'd be looking at it, too."
Stark was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 9 years old. A pre-pharmacy student who will be starting the UMKC School of Pharmacy program this fall, she has spent more than a decade managing a condition that most people misunderstand.
"You hear the word diabetes, and you usually think of someone with Type 2 who is older and potentially overweight," Stark said. "Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. There's nothing I could have done to prevent it."
Type 1 diabetes is also unpredictable, and it certainly doesn't pause for class. During a lecture, Stark's blood sugar dropped, forcing her to stop taking notes and drink a juice box while her professor continued lecturing. This meant she had to miss out on a portion of class just to manage her blood sugar levels.
In lab settings, losing 10-15 minutes to manage blood sugar levels can be more unforgiving. If Stark’s blood sugar crashes mid-reaction, she must leave the experiment to manage her levels, which can result in it being unsuccessful and a loss of over an hour’s worth of reactions. During exams, a low blood sugar can cost her up to 15 minutes of focus she can't usually afford.
To help manage her blood sugar, Stark uses a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor and an Omnipod insulin pump. However, the Dexcom can run 10 to 15 minutes behind real-time readings and its readings at times can be off by up to 20%.
"If my blood sugar is 300, Dexcom might not read 300," Stark said. "I just wouldn't get the insulin I need as soon as possible.”
Service dogs trained to detect blood sugar changes had always been on Stark's radar. Late last year, Stark's mother learned about CARES Inc., a service dog organization based in Concordia, Kansas, through a colleague who had a therapy dog. For Stark's wedding gift last July, her mother paid the deposit to get her on the waitlist. By December, CARES had a match. Stark spent a week in Kansas training with Holly before bringing her home.
Holly has been with Stark for a few months and is still learning Stark's individual blood sugar patterns.
In the middle of an organic chemistry lab session earlier this year, Stark noticed Holly sitting up and staring at her instead of sleeping. Her Dexcom read 101, which was not an alarming level. But Holly kept staring at her. Stark waited a few minutes and then stepped outside the lab to check her blood sugar with a finger poke. It read 84. Holly had caught the low blood sugar level before the Dexcom did.
"She knew she was supposed to be in a certain area, but also knew that something was wrong with me," Stark said. "It was interesting to see her do that for the first time, and I was glad I had her with me during that moment."
Holly detects blood sugar changes through smell. When Stark checks her blood sugar with a finger poke, she lets Holly smell the blood and then her breath. High blood sugar makes breath smell sweet while low blood sugar triggers a different hormonal response entirely. When Holly catches the right scent and alerts Stark, she gets a treat. Holly is still learning to distinguish between a routine check and a real warning but eventually she will simply smell Stark and know when to alert.
Bringing a service dog to class is straightforward in most settings. Bringing one into an organic chemistry lab is a whole other story.
"The honest answer is that it wasn't just 'a dog in a room,'" said Andrea Drew Hutchison, Ph.D., teaching professor of chemistry, coordinator of the undergraduate program in chemistry and coordinator of the organic chemistry labs. "It was a dog in a high-risk, controlled environment, and that changes everything."
Organic chemistry labs involve volatile solvents, glassware and hazardous chemicals. These are risks that students understand, but something a dog can't be trained to comprehend. The presence of a dog in lab also introduced practical safety concerns, like maintaining clear walkways, preventing tripping hazards and ensuring emergency procedures like evacuations or eyewash access weren’t compromised.
Hutchison worked with UMKC's Environmental Health and Safety (also known as EHS), Student Accessibility Services and the university's general counsel to develop a plan. Each group brought a different kind of expertise to the table. Chemistry lab coordinators helped outline the practical realities of the lab environment, including the procedures, materials and day-to-day risks. EHS focused on hazard assessment and risk mitigation, thinking through exposure pathways and necessary safeguards. Student Accessibility Services ensured appropriate accommodation for the students. Additionally, University of Missouri System general counsel helped interpret legal requirements and liability considerations, making sure the plan developed was compliant and defensible. Together, they developed a framework that was both inclusive and safety conscious.
Hutchison said it was important that UMKC treat this situation not as a one-time workaround, but as the foundation for accessibility policies.
"Handling it as a one-off might have solved the immediate situation, but it would have left us without clear guidance for the next time a situation like this comes up again. Accessibility and safety aren't competing priorities. They can be addressed together with the right planning and collaboration," Hutchison said.
The next step, now that UMKC has a policy, is to adapt it across all campuses in the UM System. For Stark, knowing that her experience will help make things easier for future students is meaningful.
"I'm glad I can help the university be more aware and inclusive about service dogs," she said. "I had no idea before I got Holly what any of this looked like. There’s a lot that goes into this, and I am glad I can make the experience smoother for future students.”
Stark is excited to start pharmacy school with Holly by her side.
“I’ve heard pharmacy school moves fast,” Stark said. “A 15-minute blood sugar crisis during a lecture or lab is time I may not be able to get back. With Holly, I hope to catch those moments before they become crises so that I can focus on getting good grades. For the first time since I've been diagnosed, I can kind of put diabetes to the side of my mind. I can rely on Holly instead of relying on how I'm feeling."
Aug 10, 2026
Alejandro Hernandez and Jazmin Romo brought their business education to a once-in-a-lifetime experience working behind the scenes at the 2026 FIFA ...
Alejandro Hernandez and Jazmin Romo didn’t just watch the FIFA World Cup this summer. They helped bring it to life. Through their internships with Host Broadcast Services, the recent graduates of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management supported international media operations, gained hands-on industry experience and saw firsthand the teamwork behind one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Alejandro Hernandez, Class of 2026UMKC degree program: Business administration, analytics and business intelligence emphasisExtracurricular activities: Enactus and Kappa Sigma
Jazmin Romo, Class of 2026UMKC degree program: Business administration, marketing emphasis; Communication studies, strategic communication emphasisExtracurricular activities: Enactus, Launchpad, Delta Sigma Pi, Roo News, Student Government Association
How did you learn about the opportunity to intern with Host Broadcast Services?
Hernandez: I learned about the opportunity through Daniel Folk at the Bloch Career Center, and I applied because I thought it was a unique opportunity that could set me apart for a future job search. I also like international work, so this seemed exciting!
Romo: I also heard about the opportunity through Daniel Folk from the Bloch Career Center. He encouraged me to apply when I met with him for a resume review. I thought it was a great fit for me because I want to go into the sports marketing industry. The Bloch Career Center helped me secure this internship by making me aware of the opportunity.
Can you describe your summer internship and your responsibilities leading up to and on match days?
Hernandez: I was a broadcast liaison assistant, supporting the broadcast liaison officers with their work. We worked a lot with organizing and helping international media partners with their positions and being the bridge between them and FIFA. For me, a typical week could look like guiding media partners to their positions, distributing goods, labeling positions and surveilling sensitive positions around the stadium. On match days, I would usually be up in the commentary positions assisting media partners or in interview zones making sure people knew where they were supposed to be. Occasionally, I would be on the pitch during a match, which was really cool!Romo: A typical week as a liaison assistant could look like coordinating broadcast operations and media logistics to ensure seamless coverage for international media partners; assisting with pre-match preparation by organizing broadcaster bookings, preparing venue signage and posting operational information within the Broadcast Information Office; managing operations at the Stadium Media Centre welcome desk, monitoring media zones and ensuring designated broadcast areas remain organized and accessible; escorting media partners to their assigned camera and commentary positions, conducting venue tours and documenting broadcast positions in use; and monitoring guest arrivals as well as team arrivals and departures.
What's one moment you'll never forget?
Hernandez: My most memorable moment was during my first match, and I took an Argentinian media partner down to the pitch on short notice. Everything was about to begin, and I remember walking onto the pitch side and seeing all the white and blue Argentinian jerseys and fans screaming. It was really exciting, especially knowing that it was the World Cup!
Romo: My most memorable moment from the experience was walking into the stadium and standing above the commentary positions, where I saw an aerial view of the stadium filled with fútbol fans for the first time. It was the beginning of the second half of the Argentina vs. Algeria match, and the atmosphere was truly unforgettable. The cheers from the crowd, their passion and love of the game created an energy unlike anything I had ever experienced. In that moment, everything felt surreal. I remember thinking that I was exactly where I wanted to be. It only reinforced my passion for sports and pursuing a career in the sports marketing industry.
Can you describe a challenge you encountered and overcame during your internship?
Hernandez: A challenge I faced was managing situations where people did not follow the rules. Sometimes a media partner would try and sneak into a position they were not assigned to, or someone would attempt to walk through a restricted zone after being told multiple times they could not. Unfortunately, sometimes I would have to be the bad guy, but I found that being confident, firm and not taking anything personally really helps.Romo: One challenge I encountered during the tournament was helping de-escalate high-stress situations. Match days moved quickly, and with broadcasters, media partners and staff all working on tight schedules, emotions can run high. In those moments, it was important for me to remain calm, listen carefully and communicate clearly while helping people find the information or support they needed. I learned that staying composed under pressure can have a positive impact on those around you. I was able to keep operations running smoothly while ensuring media partners felt supported throughout the event.
What did this experience mean to you?
Hernandez: Being part of the World Cup while still being a Bloch student was an extraordinary opportunity. It was a perfect way to close out my undergraduate career.Romo: This experience taught me how to work effectively in a high-pressure, international event environment. I learned how to think critically while communicating with diverse stakeholders and managing multiple priorities.This internship also confirmed that I want to build a career in the sports industry. Working behind the scenes at one of the world’s largest sporting events showed me how many opportunities exist beyond match day. As a recent graduate, being a part of this experience was extremely rewarding. My education at the Bloch School prepared me for this role through marketing and management courses, and I am extremely grateful for the Bloch Career Center and Daniel Folk for his support. I will always look back at this internship with a smile and carry the memories and lessons gained throughout my career.
Aug 06, 2026
UMKC students’ work will be featured on the iconic Crown Vision screen at Kauffman Stadium
Students studying journalism and film and media arts got a grand slam of an opportunity with Pine Tar Collective, the in-house marketing agency for the Kansas City Royals.
The collaborative effort led to a promotional commercial for the University of Missouri-Kansas City partnership with the Royals on Kauffman Stadium Crown Vision, the almost 9,000-square-foot screen above the outfield.
Students pitched their own ideas for the commercial and then joined Pine Tar Collaborative to film and edit it for the big screen.
“We've been bouncing around spots all day on campus filming both KC Roo and Slugger, just kind of hashing it out having fun,” said Trey Trawicki, a UMKC freshman studying film and media arts. “I've just been shadowing these professionals watching how they work. A lot of cool cameras, a lot of cool setups. It's cool to see people in the industry, especially the sports industry which I'm super into, doing this work like I want to do in the future.”
Trawicki and ten other students were involved in the project from conception to seeing their work on the Crown Vision during the UMKC Night at The K.
This is the third year students worked with Pine Tar Collective as part of the partnership with the Kansas City Royals.
“It was an extraordinarily unique opportunity to have a chance to go out to Kauffman Stadium and really experience what life at The K is all about,” said Steve Kraske, teaching professor of journalism. “To work with professionals who really know what they're doing, have a very clear idea of how to film this project and get it in the can. It was a great experience for our students to have that opportunity.”
Cristian Martinez, a journalism and film and media arts major, was one student who saw the whole project from concept to screen.
“To work with the Royals on this project was amazing,” Martinez said. “It felt like a dream come true. UMKC, whether it be equipment or the professors themselves, has really prepared us for this moment to be on a set with the Royals. It made us felt comfortable. It made us feel like that we were able to really translate what was what we learned in the classroom to a professional set.”
Students got the MVP tour of Kauffman and Pine Tar workspaces. They met again later where the students were able to pitch concepts to the production team and finalize a plan. After two days of shooting, where students got to be hands-on behind and in front of the camera, Pine Tar edited the final video that premiered at UMKC Night at The K. It will air during every Friday home game of the remaining Royals season.
“All of us we were able to attend and watch our commercial up there,” Martinez said. “The Royals showed us on Crown Vision, which is crazy because I always wanted to be up there. They showcased all of us and it was awesome.”
The prime location and partnerships of UMKC allow for these amazing opportunities that students get to advance their career before they even enter the workforce.
“I think coming to KC, this is what it's all about,” Martinez said. “I think some people like to tell themselves, ‘I want to go to Chicago. I want to go to New York. I want to go to LA,’ when in reality, Kansas City is the place to be. You get so many opportunities, like the chance to work hands-on early in your dream career.”
Aug 03, 2026