Bloch celebrates 60 years

Recognition by friends past and present

The Henry W. Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City has had a lot to celebrate over the years. And recently, the school’s namesake and alumni – among others – gathered for an event to highlight the school’s contributions during the last sixty years.

A 1971 and ’72 graduate, Margaret Evans was afforded a trip to New York because of the mentorship of her professor, Dr. Bill Eddy. He was the administrator of the Ford Foundation Fellowship at UMKC and was instrumental in Evans becoming the first African American female to receive the fellowship and the opportunities that went along with it. Her career in human relations began as a result of an internship she received through the Bloch School.

Like Evans, George Guastello earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Bloch and credits the school and its professors for his success. Currently CEO of Union Station, Guastello said today’s results grew from work accomplished by his professors and groups like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

“So much of what you see today blossoms from seeds planted by those teachers and entrepreneurial leaders many years ago. Entrepreneurship has always been happening right here in Kansas City – we were at the forefront then. The Eleanor Schwartzes and Bill Eddys and Teng-Kee Tans were hired at the right time to do something special.”

Henry Bloch took the stage with his son, Tom, and received a standing ovation. Laughingly, Tom asked his dad – “Was that standing ovation for you or me?”

Henry repeated a challenge that he issued to the Bloch School in 1986 when he endowed the school. “I challenged the school to strive to be the best, to achieve greatness reflected through the recognition of rankings and awards.

“Today, I am proud to be able to stand here before you and witness that success. Thanks to the faith and leadership of Dean Teng-Kee Tan, the belief and support of Chancellor Morton and to the hard work and support of everyone within the Bloch School and the Kansas City community, the sky is the limit for the Bloch School and UMKC.”

Included in the rankings that manifest this success –

  • No. 15 in the nation for the nonprofit management emphasis in the master of public administration degree
  • No. 5 in the nation among medium-sized schools for accounting, CPA pass rate
  • Top 25 in the nation for both undergraduate and graduate entrepreneurship programs
  • UMKC is ranked No 1 in the world for innovation management research for top innovation management research scholars at the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

David Donnelly, associate dean, summed up the celebration quite appropriately.

“The 60th Anniversary is a point of celebration for the beginning of a new period. The change is showcased by the new facility, the national and international rankings and the successes of our students. It’s a celebration for all.”

 


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