I grew up on Kansas City’s West Side. We were poor, but rich in spirit. I’m a Mexican American and was the first in my family to go to college. I finished my last two years of my Bachelor’s program at UMKC (1970). It was for me an achievement that impelled me to continue my post-graduate aspirations, eventually earning a Ph.D. at another university. But the foundation for my perseverance and commitment was the support and dedication of the faculty and peers at UMKC that helped shape my future. After all these years, I am still grateful for what the UMKC experience did for me. I wish I could do more to pay it forward (to UMKC), but personal and family matters take precedence for now.
I encourage everyone connected to UMKC, both now and in the past, to continue to support the outstanding work pursued by this university! I hope that UMKC will continue to evolve as a major academic institution. With your help, it will.