15th Class of Trustees’ Scholars Welcomed to Campus
Two words, “big” and “opportunity,” resonated among the seven University of Missouri-Kansas City Class of 2020 Trustees’ Scholars at a reception welcoming them to their new home for the next four years.
For political science major Ben Rankin, the networking opportunities among the Board of Trustees and Trustees’ Scholars are “gold.” The Springfield, Missouri native says Kansas City is the “perfect city for my vision to pursue a career in politics,” which is why he chose to attend UMKC.
Helene Slinker, who was born and raised in Kansas City, has had her sights set on UMKC for some time. Slinker says she loves Kansas City, describing it as “a small town in a big city.” Excited for the school year to begin, the political science major has already decided to join UMKC College Democrats and the UMKC Debate Team. Morgan Hartwig, a biology major, has plans to join the UMKC Pre-dental Society and possibly a sorority.
Trustees’ Scholars are encouraged to get involved in campus organizations and take on leadership positions, as this is a criteria every applicant had to meet in order to be considered for the program. Joining student organizations is also a great way to meet new people.
So what makes this opportunity so big? For starters, each scholar’s educational expenses are paid, including $500 a year toward books for four years. Also included is the following:
- On-campus room and board paid for the first two years, and a $2,000 stipend toward living expenses in years three and four
- Internship opportunities with Kansas City organizations in years three and four
- Support from the UMKC Board of Trustees, a philanthropic organization comprised of Kansas City’s business and civic leaders
“I’m looking forward to making new friends and getting to know the other scholars,” says computer science major Morgan Adrales from Independence, Missouri. She is a little apprehensive about what her classes will be like, but her boyfriend, also a UMKC student, advised her not to be afraid of her professors. Adrales says it’s a big opportunity to attend a school she really likes.
A testament to the big opportunities available for Trustees’ Scholars, senior Maria Gentry says the program has helped her connect with people of both similar, and different, interests. Gentry’s connections through the Board of Trustees has opened up shadowing opportunities for her at local hospitals. She will be applying for medical school soon. Gentry advises her fellow scholars to “go out and explore every opportunity that excites you.”
Biology major Jennifer Nguyen, who hails from Joplin, Missouri, was exploring every opportunity that excited her, until she was accepted as a Trustees’ Scholar. When asked what the scholarship opportunity means for her, Nguyen said “it’s unbelievable to be in this position.” She had been hesitant to apply for the program because she was sure that there were numerous applicants striving for the same award. However, it wasn’t just the scholarship that made UMKC Nguyen’s final decision. She was also attracted to the culture and diversity at UMKC and in the surrounding community.
“Kansas City is a community that embraces people of different backgrounds,” said Nguyen, whose father immigrated to the United States from Vietnam.
As a big university with a small campus feel, UMKC is a great fit for Landon Volkmann of Wichita, Kan. He is accustomed to small class sizes.
“I’m excited to be in a school where you don’t know everybody’s name,” said Volkmann, adding that he’s never experienced so many people attending one school. Yet UMKC’s 14:1 student-faculty ratio will still be rather similar to what he’s used to. The pre-law and philosophy major is looking forward to internship opportunities at several of the well-established law firms in Kansas City.
“UMKC is a university for serious students,” said Chancellor Leo Morton as he welcomed the new class of scholars to campus. “People give their right arm to get the opportunities Trustees’ Scholars will get.”
During the reception on Friday, Aug. 19, each student was greeted by several faculty and trustees. Scholars and parents had the chance to ask questions of faculty and network with those who have contributed to making this big opportunity possible.
For many scholars, the scholarship opportunity is a financial relief, and for many it is the deciding factor for attending UMKC. Every scholar considers this a big opportunity, and they are ready to follow Chancellor Morton’s advice to “leave as big of a footprint as your predecessors.”