Events recognize UMKC and Kansas City community support
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The UMKC Women’s Center is one of the oldest campus-based women’s centers in the U.S. and the second oldest in the Midwest. Founded in 1971 as the Women’s Resource Service in the Division of Continuing Education, the Women’s Center is continuing its celebration of 40 years of service to UMKC and the community.
“This is an important anniversary not just for UMKC, but also for the community,” said S. Sloane Simmons and Bill Smith, co-chairs of the 40th Anniversary Planning Committee. “UMKC and the Women’s Center matter to all of Kansas City – which is why we have worked hard to include all of the community in the 40th anniversary celebrations.”
Three events are planned to commemorate the 40th Anniversary and to thank the UMKC and Kansas City communities for their years of support.
“Stitches: An Exhibit of Textiles” by NedRa Bonds, featuring the Women’s Equity Quilt, begins with a 5:30 p.m. a reception on Thursday, Feb. 2. The event is free and will be held in the second floor Dean’s Gallery of the Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo. 64110. The exhibit runs from Feb. 2-April 13.
This exhibit was created to commemorate the 40th Anniversary. The reception will include a play inspired by the quilt, written by local playwright and UMKC alumna Kathleen Shaw and produced by Professor Jennifer Martin, UMKC Theatre. The dance accompaniment will feature students from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. RSVP online: Stitches.
The Women’s Center “Vanguards and Visionaries” reception – featuring local women artists who helped shape the visual arts of Kansas City over the past four decades – will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 at the Leedy-Voulkos Arts Center, 2012 Baltimore, Kansas City, Mo. 64108. The free reception will honor the past leadership of the UMKC Women’s Center. Meet former directors, staff and members of the Chancellor’s Advisory Board to the Women’s Center while you view the exhibit Vanguards and Visionaries. RSVP online.
The Women’s Center 40th Anniversary Gala will take place on Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at the River Market Event Place, 140 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64106. Participate in the silent auction and celebrate to the music of the Barclay Martin Ensemble, premiering a piece written in honor of the 40th anniversary. All proceeds benefit the UMKC Women’s Center’s programs and services. Individual ticket prices begin at $20 for students and $65 for others; the sponsorships range from $115 to $5,000. For more information or with questions, contact us at 816-235-1638 or UMKC Women’s Center.
About UMKC
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.