It’s Official — Atterbury Student Success Center

Named in Recognition of Ongoing Support

Photo credit: Janet Rogers, Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications

 Approximately 120 people gathered at the Student Success Center recently to celebrate its naming and to recognize the family that helped make it possible – Alan and Mary Atterbury and the Atterbury Family Foundation.

The Atterbury Student Success Center was made official on Friday in front of faculty, students, staff and community members. The newly-renovated center, which opened in August 2012, is home to the services that incoming, transfer and undecided students need.

Provost Gail Hackett said the years of planning paid off.

“Four years ago, we began working on the strategic plan. This building is the physical manifestation of that plan. Students must come first,” Hackett said.

The services that lead to student success – admissions, financial aid, cashiers, records and transcripts, registration and a variety of academic supports – are now available in this building, making this a one-stop shop.

Mel Tyler, vice chancellor of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said that the center offers integrated services to promote student academic success and graduation goals.

“We now have a whole building of people here dedicated to the support of our students.”

As the celebration continued, students were busy going about their day working at computer stations or on personal computers in the numerous alcoves near windows; going to the new classrooms in the center; or taking in the speeches that recognized their donors.

Hackett said that the goals for the building were designed around the students – to help them master their academic materials; to learn critical thinking skills; and to complete their degrees in a timely manner.

Chancellor Leo E. Morton said that Kansas Citians are fortunate to live in a community of donors and privileged to witness another campus celebration that benefits students.

“This is another great day on the UMKC campus and in Kansas City, and the Atterburys are a big part of that. We wouldn’t be here if not for the Atterburys, and there’s no better couple to have their name on this facility.”

Their involvement at UMKC goes back more than 20 years. Alan Atterbury served as a trustee, supported the endowment of scholarships and worked to help establish the UMKC Foundation, where he serves as chairman.

Mary Atterbury has served on the Friends of the Conservatory of Music and Dance Board of Directors, Friends of Conservatory Ovation committee and served as honorary chair of the Crescendo Planning Committee.

Alan said that UMKC is a reflection of what occurs in Kansas City.

“Great cities have great universities. Our Chancellor has made the difference in our university. Once Leo took the helm, things changed. He brought with him a plan – a business plan with a goal of adding more students. This Center epitomizes that philosophy of student-centric,” said Alan Atterbury.

“This is a one-stop shop, where students’ academic support needs have been centralized,” said Danny Riffel, student government association president and senior in the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. “It’s here where friendly staff are willing to help, and you always know that you are welcome here.”


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