FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug 21, 2012 #098
Contact: Wandra Brooks Green
816-235-1601
43,240 gifts bring the record total to $65.6 million
Kansas City, Mo. – The UMKC Foundation set a record for funds raised – $65,534,670.98 in the 2011-2012 fiscal year. A total of 19,213 donors contributed to the Foundation during the year ending June 30, 2012. The UMKC Foundation endowment grew to $22,607,037 for the same period.
“The Board of the Foundation continues to believe that the Foundation is making a difference for UMKC. We want to thank the alumni and friends for this record year,” said Alan Atterbury, chairman of the UMKC Foundation Board.
The Foundation also reported a record number of 43,240 gifts for the fiscal year. Six gifts were $1 million or more. Henry and Marion Bloch gave more than $32 million – the largest outright gift in UMKC’s history – to the Henry W. Bloch School of Management to fund its state-of-the-art building for graduate and executive programs. Construction for the Henry W. Bloch Executive Hall for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is underway, with completion scheduled for August 2013.
“In three years, we have now surpassed the 50 percent mark for the Campaign for UMKC’s goal,” said Murray Blackwelder, president of the UMKC Foundation. To date, the campaign has raised $126,436,147 toward the $250 million goal. The Campaign is a seven-year campaign.
Blackwelder said the record-breaking total is proof that the community recognizes the vital role that UMKC is being called upon to play in the future growth and development of Greater Kansas City, such as the “Big 5” initiatives of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
UMKC has goals next year to get the following key projects funded.
University College – This will create an academic home with relevant support services for UMKC’s deciding students and those in transition, including transfer students, students changing majors and students wishing to complete a baccalaureate degree.
Center for Translational/Clinical Research for Urban Health – The interdisciplinary research center will translate research into practice, bringing promising discoveries from bench to bedside and producing new prevention and treatment options for patients.
Chemistry Lab Renovation – Because of increased enrollment, new labs are needed, as well as renovations to the existing ones. This will assist in preparing students to make an immediate impact as they begin their careers.
Dental Innovation Clinic – The clinic will allow students to build their clinical and business skills as they treat patients in a simulated dental practice setting. This will prepare UMKC’s future dentists with a full suite of skills and experience needed to succeed.
Prototype Facility – Regional industry, experienced entrepreneurs, research institutes and universities will collaborate to create a facility for budding and advanced entrepreneurs. This center – with laboratories and low-tech, hands-on equipment – will be an indispensable component toward our shared goal of building our reputation as “America’s Most Entrepreneurial City.”
Urban Education Research Center – The Center will focus on conducting and disseminating research that addresses local issues, problems and questions in urban schools and communities with national applicability. This includes assessing effectiveness of the School of Education’s teacher preparation and community partnership innovations, using the findings to transform the educational system.
“Each gift we receive moves us closer to the strategic goals that were established for our university,” said Chancellor Leo E. Morton. “Our donors are committed to the continued quality education of our students and to UMKC, Kansas City’s university.”
About the UMKC Foundation
The UMKC Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fundraising management organization for UMKC. For more information about the UMKC Foundation, visit umkcfoundation.org.
About the University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.
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