KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management has named Michael Amini a 2009 Honor Award recipient, one of 10 graduating seniors commended for both academic achievements and participation in programs outside the classroom.

Amini graduates with a bachelor of arts degree and a degree from the School of Medicine. In July, he will begin his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee – Campbell Clinic in Memphis.

The honor award program was established in 1975 to recognize graduating seniors who excelled in academic achievement, involvement in university programs and service to the campus and surrounding community.

Amini volunteered at the Sherwood Center for Autism and the Sojourner Health Clinic, a downtown facility where the health of the needy or homeless can be assessed and treatment or hospitalization recommended. He also participated in Relay for Life – a fund raiser for cancer research – and GAMMA, a campus organization advocating responsible use of alcohol. Amini served as a student representative to the School of Medicine’s Council on Curriculum.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a three-part mission: visual and performing arts, health sciences, and urban engagement.