The UMKC family is called to demonstrate leadership

To our UMKC Community:

Wednesday evening, one of our alumni, Alok Madasani, was injured in a tragic, unprovoked shooting in Olathe.

Alok attended our School of Computing and Engineering from 2006 to 2008, graduating with a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He has been working in the Aviation Systems Engineering team at Garmin International. According to a report by the Kansas City Star, Alok was treated for his injuries at a hospital and then released.

On behalf of our entire UMKC community, we offer our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Alok, as well as our deepest condolences to those of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, the young man who lost his life in this horrible event. Media reports indicate that the two men had stopped for a drink after work when another bar patron verbally accosted and then shot them, possibly based on the belief that they were from the Middle East. Both men are natives of India.

Let us speak as directly and strongly as we can. There is no reason for, and no room in this community for, such acts of violent hatred. It is certainly not what UMKC is about. And it is our belief and great hope that it is not what America is about.

UMKC is committed to being a model of respectful interaction and fostering a culture of equity and inclusion in the peaceful pursuit of our mission of research, learning and engagement by people of all national origins, faith traditions and backgrounds. All are welcome here.

For any faculty, staff or students who would like to seek out counseling or support in this difficult time, please do not hesitate to reach out to the university’s counseling services center.

Officials at Garmin have confirmed that the Go Fund Me pages listed below were set up by friends/family to support the funeral service and medical expenses of the victims.

https://www.gofundme.com/madasani-kuchibhotla-relief-fund

https://www.gofundme.com/srinus-familyrecovery-support

In closing, this is a community, and a world, in need of understanding, openness and peace. All of us in the UMKC family are called to demonstrate leadership in pursuit of those goals.

Leo E. Morton
Chancellor

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer
Provost