Lee’s Summit West High School Graduate Named UMKC Trustees’ Scholar

Kansas City’s university awards seven for 2018

Timothy Nguyen from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, a spring 2018 Lee’s Summit West High School graduate, has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City Trustees’ Scholar.

When Nguyen begins biology studies at UMKC in the fall, he will receive a scholarship valued at $60,000 over four years. His award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program.

Nguyen, who graduated in the top 1 percent of his class, was active in Varsity Science Knowledge Bowl, Spanish Honor Society, Varsity Scholar Bowl and was a member of the National Honor Society of Lee’s Summit West High School. Nguyen has been an ACT and math tutor and has volunteered for Truman Heartland Community foundation Youth Advisory Council, St. Luke’s East Hospital, Coldwater of Lee’s Summit and Truman Habitat for Humanity.

In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, Nguyen said UMKC was his first choice for pursing his undergraduate degree. Afterward, he plans to attend the UMKC School of Dentistry and specialize in orthodontics.

“I aspire to not only become an orthodontist but also become a diligent orthodontist who will open a practice with flexible hours as well as being open on weekends,” Nguyen said. “I am determined to make convenient scheduling that serves our local people first.”

Nguyen plans to dedicate himself to his community for the rest of his life by giving back as a respected orthodontist and by giving his time to those who are less fortunate and have fewer resources.

“I believe that a smile represents the same welcoming gesture as a handshake. Sometimes, people do not smile because of their lack of self-confidence. I intend to shatter that barrier.”

The Trustees’ Scholarship provides educational fees and on-campus room and board for the first two years. In the third and fourth years, the package provides educational fees and $2,000 for room and board. Each Trustees’ Scholar also receives $500 toward books each year.

To qualify as Trustees’ Scholars, students must meet at least two of the following three criteria: score a minimum ACT Composite of 30, rank in the top five percent of the graduating class, or have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or more in a 17-class core curriculum. Trustees’ Scholars must enroll full time, be seeking an undergraduate degree and commit to living on campus for the first two years.

The UMKC Trustees’ Scholars Program is unique in that it aligns students closely with corporate sponsors, who give students access to their professional knowledge and experience, insight into the inner workings of the company or institution they represent, and a strong mentor relationship throughout the college experience. Students have opportunities to network and find internships or jobs through the Trustees and their connections in the community.

The UMKC Board of Trustees is a non-profit organization established by civic and community leaders to support the University. Members advocate on the University’s behalf, provide community feedback and forge partnerships to help the University achieve its strategic priorities and financial objectives.


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