Osher Foundation president announces $1 million endowment for nontraditional students

Nontraditional undergraduate students often face additional obstacles, such as coping with financial burdens, caring for ill family members and serving in the armed forces. But at UMKC, faculty, staff and specialized programs are committed to ensuring that nontraditional students succeed.

Osher scholar Angela Dimond has had an interest in geology since kindergarten.

Moved by UMKC’s commitment to nontraditional students, Mary G.F. Bitterman, Ph.D. –president of the San Francisco-based Bernard Osher Foundation – will announce a $1 million endowment and $50,000 “bridge” grant for the Osher Reentry Scholarship Program at UMKC’s College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremonies.

“UMKC is one of nine universities this year whose Osher Reentry Scholarship Program has achieved a level of prominence worthy of receiving an endowed fund from the Osher Foundation,” said UMKC Chancellor Leo Morton. “This highlights UMKC as a model urban university that is committed to the success of nontraditional students.”

The commencement ceremonies will take place at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, May 7 at UMKC’s Swinney Recreation Center, 5030 Holmes St.

To read the news release regarding the $1 million endowment, visit http://www.umkc.edu/news/news-release.asp?id=904.