With the goal of raising scholarship funds, University of Missouri-Kansas City alumni and friends celebrated the achievements of 17 individuals, one family and a dedicated husband and wife team at the 2015 Alumni Awards and Chancellor’s Medal Luncheon.
This year’s Alumni Awards raised a total of $141,435 for scholarships. The portion collected during Thursday’s event, $31,435, was twice as much as was raised live during the event last year.
Ralph Reid (J.D. ’87), luncheon event chair, set the tone at the outset saying “It’s all about the UMKC students.”
That theme progressed throughout the event as UMKC Chancellor Leo E. Morton welcomed alumni back to campus. As he thanked students, friends and family, he reminded attendees of the potential of students and the excellence they achieve as alumni.
“There’s greatness around us. Think about where people would be if these honorees had not been able to finish their degree,” Morton said, as he a stressed the need for scholarships and to mentor students.
Over the years, the luncheon has raised more than $600,000 to support UMKC students across all the university’s schools and colleges. A large portion of that support has been awarded in immediate aid grants to worthy students who were at risk of not re-enrolling due to serious financial issues.
Reviewed 2015-04-24