Anonymous donor makes gift commitment of nearly $1 million to UMKC

Today we are pleased to announce a planned gift commitment of close to $1 million to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine from an anonymous alumna of the school.

"This gift is in appreciation of the outstanding education and support the Medical School provided me," said the donor. "My hope is that this gift not only will help attract the best students, but also will enable the school to continue providing superb medical education. The Medical School's focus on superior patient care and compassion made a difference in my career, and I am grateful for that experience. It has provided many returns in terms of professional success and fulfillment, and I am honored to contribute to the future success of the school and students."

"Graduates of the UMKC School of Medicine realize the value of their education and want to help others achieve what they have achieved. That is certainly the case for this alumna," said UMKC Chancellor Leo E. Morton. "This generous gift will be used to support several important programs at the Medical School and clearly will influence UMKC's ability to fulfill a key part of our mission - to care for the health and well-being of our community."

The donor has directed that the gift be used to support the E. Grey Dimond, M.D., Program of International Medicine so that students may have increased access to international travel and expanded global views, which the donor deems essential to the success of future physicians. In addition, the gift will support the UMKC Vision Research Center, which promotes the generation of new knowledge in the field of vision research and enhances the quality of vision health care through education.

"We are honored and touched when alumni, such as this very generous benefactor, invest in their medical school's future," said Betty M. Drees, M.D., dean of the UMKC School of Medicine. "It is a testament to the quality and importance of the educational and research programs the school offers, and reflects the quality, loyalty and commitment of the graduates of the university."

The UMKC School of Medicine was founded in 1971 as an innovative combined degree program. From its baccalaureate/M.D. curriculum to a docent system that emphasizes small group learning, the school has remained a trendsetter in medical education and research.

UMKC continues to be grateful for the generosity and support of its alumni, and for the impact this gift will make to the Medical School.