Volume 81, Issue 8
Monday October 7, 2013
UMKC SIGNS OFF ON ITS 80TH YEAR Roze Brooks Co-Editor-in-Chief
Renewing eight decades of history
An honorary charter was signed by UMKC administrators, student leaders and community members at the Commemoration Day Ceremony Oct. 1 in Swinney Recreation Center. Alumni, retirees, faculty, staff and current students were invited to help UMKC celebrate its 80th anniversary. “Here we are today, stronger than ever,” Chancellor Leo Morton said, “living proof that a great university can help make a city great, living proof that we have fulfilled the founders’ vision.” Though UMKC is celebrating eight decades of existence, conversations about creating a university in Kansas City started
UM System President Tim Wolfe.
long before the first charter was signed. In 1925, negotiations were being made with a woman named Kate Hewitt, widow to the president of a reputable dental college. Hewitt wanted to provide a gratuitous stretch of land to the Methodist Episcopal Church. However, with that extensive generosity came a laundry list of stipulations that inhibited the group’s ability to act quickly. Seeing an opportunity for expansion, Methodist Church invited the Chamber of Commerce to “have substantial representation on the [University’s] Board of Trustees.” This prompted a merger that combined church representatives with representatives from Commerce, creating an Organizational Committee. A charter was granted in 1926,
Photo// Roze Brooks
forged between the merged groups, declaring the intended name of the university to be Lincoln and Lee University of Kansas City. It wasn’t until December 1930 that a larger entity, the Board of Trustees, was commissioned to further carry out plans for a university.
The Board pulls out of a Depression When the Board of Trustees met for the first time, E.E Howard was nominated Chancellor Leo Morton addresses audience at Commemoration Cermony. Photo// Roze Brooks as a temporary Ernest Newcomb was designated chairman. An extensive set of the first executive secretary, the Lincoln and Lee prefix from the by-laws was presented, stating having primary authority of the title. the official charge of the Board. “That Board of Trustees, by this Executive Committee. This Nominations for permanent seatgroup met promptly after the resolution, makes record favoring holders were also executed. The second Board meeting and created the name: THE UNIVERSITY OF Board met a month later and agreed several subcommittees to examine KANSAS CITY for the corporate that an Executive Committee different facets of creating a name of the university,” read the should be formed. A tentative university, including a committee motion made by Walter McLucas. timeline would have an educational This approved amendment solely charged with conferring with plan and campus buildings ready was then implemented into the Hewitt. for use by fall of 1932. language of the by-laws at the third Later concluding that the land “Eighty years ago in the depths of Hewitt was offering wouldn’t Board meeting. Volker was also a the Great Depression, Kansas City suit the university based on its frequent consultant to the Board, leaders set out on a great mission. location at 75th and State Line, having donated a 40.8-acre stretch I guess some would call it a crazy William Volker and John W. of land to the University Movement mission given the touch times,” Jenkins negotiated with Hewitt to the year prior. Morton said, “but those leaders Meetings of both the Board and donate funds made from selling the believed with all their hearts the the Executive Committee became property instead. powerful, yet simple idea, if Kansas more rapid as the vision of creating Before the Executive Committee City were to overcome the touch actually gathered to have its first Kansas City’s university became times, if Kansas City were to meeting, the Board was having more tangible. Money was scarce, become the great city its leaders intensive conversations about the which was one of the roadblocks knew it could be, it must have a name of the university. In January to this expensive effort during the great university.” 1931, the Board proposed to drop Continued on Page 2
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
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Commemoration Day onslaught of the Great Depression. Using a newsletter-style publication called the University Bulletin, the founders attempted to lure in potential donors. Things were starting to look up in the summer of ‘31. The Executive Committee was able to report more than $731,000 in pledged funds. However, this meant the monetary needs to create an operating budget were still not in hand. In December 1931, the Committee negotiated in its favor, receiving the Dickey House, which would become the first lecture hall on the UKC campus. Today, that hall is known as Scofield Hall. “When classes began in 1933, over 2,000 civic leaders gathered on the lawn of Scofield Hall to celebrate the opening of the university,” said Chamber of Commerce Chairman Russell Welsch. Nearing the predetermined deadline of fall 1932, the Committee realized in April of that year it wasn’t anywhere near its monetary goal of $500,000. Many people who had pledged donations to the movement were sending in letters spouting off numerous reasons as to why they couldn’t pay at that time. Several times throughout the initial planning stages, the groups tried redirecting their efforts to bring in the
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fall together. The next steps would include hiring a dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, several starting faculty members and setting salaries for each. The university finally found itself ready to accommodate classes and on Oct. 1, 1933, signed the official charter of the University of Kansas City. “Eighty years ago, 265 students made history when they started their first day of classes on the fledgling campus,” Morton said.
Bringing everything (and everyone) to the table Journalist Jim Steele and Leawood, Kan., Mayor Peggy Dunn co-chaired the Commemoration Day Ceremony event. Creating a line-up of prominent voices to speak on the accomplishments of the university, pride and progress were a common theme in the many speeches delivered at the ceremony. “In 1963, 30 years later, after many ups and downs, the University of Kansas City officially became part of the University of Missouri system and took on the name University of Missouri- Kansas City,” said UM System President Tim Wolfe. “Since that opening, UMKC has become known as the urban research university with signature graduates
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Chancellor Morton signs honorary charter. Photo// Roze Brooks
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Missouri Governer Jay Nixon. and will continue our tradition of working together to make our community a desirable place to live, to work and to raise a healthy family.” Watershed partnerships and bold collaborations were a hot topic among all speakers at the ceremony. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon commended UMKC on its deliberate attention to the global economy. “People understand the excellence that comes with UMKC and strive to be its partner in this modern economy,” Nixon said. “It’s clear that this university not only understands the need for relationships in this modern economy-- you have strengthened it.”
Photo// Roze Brooks “Just as our founders had a vision, so do I,” he said,” so do we, so do all of us who believe in UMKC and believe in the power of this university to change lives and change the community for the better.” Proceeding Morton’s speech, numerous Kansas City and UMKC administrators, community members, student leaders and other supporters passed around the
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appropriate funds. Discussion then turned to the logistics of this new university. For the sake of keeping with popular opinion, the Board opted into starting off with a four-year liberal arts college. Fall of 1932 quickly approached and the Executive Committee quickly concluded they would not be ready to launch the university. It chose to postpone until the following year. Conversations with architects followed and the Committee utilized the renderings to prove to potential donors that progress was still being made. The planning groups finally overcame the biggest hurdle of acquiring funds and saw the piece
and professional programs, each a true asset of the UM system.” Wolfe also recognized several former UMKC chancellors in attendance including Eleanor Schwartz, Martha Gilliland and Guy Bailey. Attendees were given a virtual tour of both campuses, accentuating the literal growth of the university. Many familiar Kansas City and UMKC faces were featured in the video, including Mayor Sly James. “Our city’s success story would be incomplete if we didn’t mention the critical role of the University of Missouri-Kansas City,” James said. “I’m proud to stand with UMKC
The original founders sign the 1933 charter.
Photo// Roze Brooks
“Eighty years down the road has not been easy,” Morton said. “We have made some mistakes along the way and change has been necessary.” Morton pointed out that during the timeThe original charter of 1933. in which UMKC was Photo// Roze Brooks created, he could not have been chancellor of a university. honorary document. Each read his Additionally, there would have been or her name aloud as they placed no faculty or students of color. their signature on the 80-year legacy “We’re an amazingly diverse and marker. vibrant campus,” he said. “We’ve “I’m humbled by the honor and been noted for being a gay friendly privilege granted to me,” Morton campus and for helping our military said,” and the responsibility to stay veterans reengage. Our mentoring the course of our founders’ as we program for Latino students has build version 2.0 of Kansas City.” helped them succeed and has made us more attractive to our community.” Expanding on the numerous rbrooks@unews.com projects UMKC has been involved with or will soon pursue, Morton expressed gratuity to both the institution and to its partners for providing him with pride during his five-year tenure.
UMKC leaders sign commemorative charter.
Photo// Roze Brooks
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
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A Walk Down Chancellor Lane Hiral Patel
Contributing Writer
Ernest Newcomb was the University of Kansas City’s first executive secretary, serving from 1933-1938. Newcomb carried out university policy and growing operational decisions. “[He was] responsible for developing the physical site and plant, establishing academic standards, personally selecting the faculty… enrolling students and granting scholarships,” his son Norman Newcomb said. Ernest Newcomb left his position when one day, his desk had been moved into the hallway to symbolize his lack of success in his responsibilities as executive secretary. John Spaeth was president of UMKC from 1936-1938. He studied English and German literature, and later became an English literature professor at Princeton University. Spaeth announced his semiretirement due to school accreditation, faculty concerns and the death of his wife. Clarence Decker was president from 1938-1953. At age 33, Decker became the youngest university president in the U.S. Decker was the chairman of the English department in 1934. During his presidency, the university saw outstanding growth and achievement. Decker founded the University of Kansas City’s publication, the University Review. He was also active in helping the growth of thirdworld countries. Dr. Earl McGrath served as the University of Kansas City’s president from 1953-1956. McGrath attended various universities, including University of Chicago, where he received his Ph.D. He was also the assistant director of the Education and Training Division in Washington D.C. Richard Drake was named the University of Kansas City’s first chancellor in 1956, and served until 1961. Drake merged UKC and the Kansas City Conservatory of Music. He resigned from his position as chancellor due to dissatisfaction with financial support given by the university. Later, he became a consultant for the Ford Foundation. Carleton Scofield was appointed as chancellor after Drake’s resignation, and held the position from 19611965. Prior to becoming chancellor, Scofield served as vice president for academic affairs. Scofield was responsible for successfully integrating the University of Kansas City into the University of Missouri system in 1963, and the university officially changed its name to the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Scofield then became the first chancellor of UMKC. Scofield was knowledgeable of the languages Urdu and Singhalese, and often traveled to many different countries. He also directed psychological warfare research with the United States Human Resources Research Office. Randall Whaley was chancellor of UMKC from 1965-1967. He received his Ph.D at Purdue University after attending Indiana University and University of Colorado. Whaley resigned from his position after only two years due to controversy over campus autonomy versus centralized administration of the University of Missouri. He had disagreements with university President John Weaver.
James Olson became chancellor from 1968-1976. Olson received his master’s degree and Ph.D at University of Nebraska, and was a well-known historian. He was a first lieutenant in the Army Air Force, and a published author. After serving as chancellor, he went on to become the president of the University of Missouri. The James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, established in 1979, is Olson’s namesake building. UMKC has also established the James C. Olson Research Grants and the Olson Professorship Program. The chancellor from 1977-1992 was George Russell. Russell received his undergraduate degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his Ph.D at the
Gilliland entered her chancellorship with the chief goal of deconstructing UMKC’s reputation as a commuter university, and for the university to take advantage of its location within a large, urban city compared to towns like Lawrence and Columbia. Gilliland hoped to garner more social support from surrounding companies and organizations, which were seen as advantageous opportunities to attain university funding. However, Gilliland’s leadership proved disappointing to many faculty members and students. Gilliland faced controversy when she removed Marino Martinez-Carrion from his long-term position as the biological sciences dean. The faculty unanimously voted to quickly
A full day of activities were planned for Hobo Day.
A Kangaroo Queen was crowned.
Chancellor Leo Morton serves students at the Chancellor’s Lunch Friday, Oct. 4. Photo// Hiral Patel University of Chicago. Russell successfully established partnerships between UMKC and other institutions. Russell created the UMKC Women’s Center Advisory Board in 1981 and established the School of Biological Sciences in 1985. Russell emphasized the Biological Sciences School’s need to create a superior graduate program to promote medical research efforts and funding. Russell was also active with weapons research and development in the U.S. Navy. Eleanor Schwartz took Russell’s position as UMKC’s chancellor from 1992-1999. Schwartz was the first female chancellor of UMKC, and the first woman dean for what is now the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. She received her master’s degree and Ph.D at Georgia State University. After Schwartz’s departure, Martha Gilliland became chancellor in December of 1999 until 2004.
reinstate his position. Gilliland resigned amidst controversy over her leadership methods. Guy Bailey replaced Gilliland, serving as chancellor from 20052008. Bailey was a provost and the Executive Vice President at the University of Texas in San Antonio. He studied linguistics in Hawaii. Bailey proposed the development of Oak Street West, the new student housing at the time. Current UMKC chancellor Leo Morton was appointed in 2008. Morton earned his bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University and his master’s degree at MIT. Chancellor Morton connects with students by serving lunch once a year during Homecoming Week, recently renamed to Founders’ Week. Morton handed out lunch on Oct. 4 at the Pierson Auditorium. hpatel@unews.com
Students would decorate their cars for Hobo Day. Photos // University Archives
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
Timothy Buie Founders’ Week Master’s Class
Hiral Patel
Contributing Writer
Alumnus Dr. Timothy Buie conducted a master class on Oct. 3, which focused on lessons learned from his autistic patients. The Alumni Governing Board created master classes to highlight some of UMKC’s nationally known graduates. Buie graduated from UMKC’s School of Biological Sciences as a six-year medical program student. He later studied pediatric gastroenterology at Yale University’s
Dr. Timothy Buie, Alumnus of UMKC, spoke about Autistm Research at Bloch Executive Hall on Oct. 3. Photo// Hiral Patel School of Medicine. He is a pediatric gastroenterologist at the Lurie Center for Autism in Massachusetts. Buie’s family, including his parents and three siblings, also attended UMKC. “This is really our home,” Buie said. Buie lectured a small audience as he lectured about children’s gastrointestinal problems. “I was seeing people my age that were very sick with inflammatory bowel disease… so I decided after my residency that I would do a pediatric gastroenterology fellowship,” Buie said. Buie did not decide to specialize in gastroenterology until his final rotation in the medical program.
Children with autism have many symptoms to show gastrointestinal pain. Although it is not visible from the outside, they feel the pain, he said. “I don’t understand why we can’t recognize the needs that these kids have, and how we can just let people suffer and excuse it,” Buie said. “Autism is a presentation of a variety of symptoms.” This includes social communication problems, restricted repetitive behavior and violence. This makes autism hard for parents to detect in early childhood. Most parents believe their children are just overly excited. “Autism affects one in 88 children,” Buie said. “We may not be done with this rise in prevalence… it’s going to have to end somewhere.” Buie continued to talk about why it is important to give special attention to these children, and why they act differently. Out of 50 children with autism, 70 percent of them experience gastrointestinal issues, Buie said. These problems are not temporary, but are chronic and continuous. Buie showed many videos of autistic children throughout the session, which demonstrated the varied behavior these children may exhibit. Buie leads the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Rehabilitation Services program. “[This is a] multidisciplinary program that treats children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum and other neurodevelopmental disorders,” Buie said. He has also published various works that characterize developmental disorders. Buie ended his session with a personal quote: “The University of Google is not a good school, although I don’t mind the commute.” He referred to assumptions people make about autism through the lack of research, and hopes the general population can grow to better understand autism as medical advances provide more evidence for its primary causes. hpatel@unews.com
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From Copy Boy to Pulitzer Prize Winner: UMKC Graduate Finds Path to Success Elizabeth Golden Co-Edtior-in-Chief Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James Steele, class of 1967, presented the master class “Who Will Be the Watchdog? The Future of Investigative Reporting in America” in conjunction with UMKC’s 80th anniversary. Steele always knew he wanted to be a journalist. He was born in Hutchison, Kan. and raised in Kansas City, where he started to write for his school newspaper by chance. “I attended Westport high school,” he said. “And I somehow ended up on the paper. I loved the process of collecting information and putting it together.” After starting his English degree at UMKC, Steele was hired by the Kansas City Times as a copy boy. The Times was a daily morning newspaper that published from 1867 to 1990 in combination with the Kansas City Evening Star. As a copy boy, Steele transferred reporters’ stories to where they would be edited and “pasted” into the layout. After a short time as a copy boy, he expressed his desire to write. “Then, if you wanted to write, they started you on obituaries,” he said. “If you did a good job, they would give you bigger stories. There was literally no creativity involved, but it’s amazing how many mistakes can be made in that small of a space. I really learned to verify information.” He became a cub reporter and was given the chance to cover stories throughout the city. He first covered car accidents and fires, and later covered politics, labor and urban affairs. “Covering the city issues really taught me how democracy works,” Steele said. “I saw when pressures come to bear and how political viewpoints affect the city.” Steele spent seven years working for the Kansas City Times, but said he felt unsatisfied because he could never get to the bottom of issues with daily work. “I was always curious to get to the bottom of public issues,” he said. “When I was out interviewing for a story, I often had mixed answers, but never the time to investigate why.” In 1970, he moved to the Philadelphia Inquirer and began his 27-year career as an investigative reporter. He teamed up with Donald Barlett in 1972, and together they won two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Magazine Awards and five George Polk Awards. The duo has also published seven books, one of which became a No. 1 New York Times bestseller.
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Jim Steele signs books in the Student Union. Photo// Ericka Chatman “Don and I saw what happens [when] two people with similar ideas and ambitions work together,” Steele said. In 1975, the duo won its first Pulitzer for the series “Auditing the Internal Revenue Service,” which exposed the unequal application of federal tax laws. Steele describes winning the Pulitzer as “exhilarating.” “There are usually rumors leaking beforehand, so we had a pretty good idea we were a finalist for the national reporting category,” Steele said. “It’s a great feeling to know your work went through so much. It’s a gratifying experience.” This was also the first Pulitzer for the Inquirer, which went on to win 17 over the next 15 years. “The paper was in the process of rebuilding itself,” Steele said. Steele said the Pulitzer did not change his life, as he and Barlett continued to pursue investigative leads and wrote more than a dozen stories before winning their second Pulitzer in 1989. They spent more than a year investigating the rifle shot provisions in the Tax Reform Act of 1986. “The series led to Congress rejecting proposals giving special tax breaks to many politically connected individuals and businesses,” Steele said. In 1997, Steele and Barlett left the Inquirer for Time Magazine, where they continued investigative reporting and went on to win two National Magazine Awards, being the first journalists to win the highest honors in both newspaper and magazine fields.
In 2006, Steele and Barlett became contributing editors of Vanity Fair, with the promise of writing two stories per year. In order to succeed as an investigative journalist, Steele said one must be interested in searching through documents, as well as talking to people. “I really love it all,” Steele said. “Looking through documents may be tedious work, but it helps to gain background information. A lot of people don’t know what they’re talking about.” Steele recently judged a global investigative journalism competition and said he believes the American example is spreading to the rest of the world. “It’s breathtaking what’s going on in other places,” he said. “Other countries put so much pressure on people, they are still continuing to investigate, but not without risks.” He said he does not buy into the myth that journalism, particularly investigative journalism, is dying. “The need [for investigative journalism] is greater than ever,” he said. “People want the information.” Steele said getting into the field at such a young age definitely helped his career. “I’m a believer in getting as much experience while young,” he said. “There are a lot of options, so it’s best for young journalists to sample the field.” Steele also said he believes curiosity is an important characteristic. “Be curious. I don’t know if it can be taught, but it can definitely be sharpened,” he said. egolden@unews.com
Master Class Don Fehr -’Sports Are Different’
Dan Moreno Senior Beat Writer
The executive director of the National Hockey League Players’ Association and UMKC Law School graduate Don Fehr introduced a master class as part of the Founders’ Week celebration on Friday. Approximately 25 people attended, including Chancellor Leo E. Morton. Fehr, who graduated in 1973, returned to his alma mater to share his reflections and experiences from 38 years of working in professional sports. Fehr spoke for more than an hour about topics ranging from economic models to doping and experiences with players and coaches. Fehr then answered questions from the audience. “When people ask me to tell them about professional sports, what they usually mean is: tell me inside gossip of an owner, or tell me what players are really like,” Fehr said. “Are they worth the money or are they bright or stupid – that’s what people really want to know. They don’t really want to know how sports work because, after all, sports are different.” Fehr focused on the inner and
publically unknown world of professional sports. “Sports, as social institutions and businesses, we accord sports at the amateur level, like NCAA, and at the professional level deference and allow them to operate in a really strange way,” Fehr said. “It’s so abnormal that periodically you have to step back and ask yourself, is this really going on?” To better understand the difference between professional sports in the U.S. compared to other nations, Fehr discussed the permissions the government has given to professional leagues to work with employees. “Once you sign any professional contract, you may never ever in your lifetime quit, even if you don’t have an ongoing contract, and go to work for another team,” Fehr said. “The only way you can quit is if you want to change professions. What would you do if these rules were applied to your profession? That’s what the association is for.” Even though representing the players is his main responsibility, Fehr also mentioned that professional athletes should be grateful to have high-salary jobs. “Athletes at an elite level in any
sport, anywhere in the world, need a series of things to successfully master this profession,” Fehr said. “They have to have a work ethic to bring them to the top of the most competitive industry you can find, because if you think about it, everything they do is public. They can’t hide.” Fehr said that being a professional athlete isn’t an easy job. “Two things are always true: somebody is always trying to interfere in what you do, and in addition to that, there is always someone stronger, younger, faster, healthier and willing to take your job for a less amount of money,” Fehr said. Fehr concluded by revealing plans he has in mind in relation to his career. “In connection with what I’m doing now, I have a good challenge out there, and without getting into plans or details, we want to try and create something which has never been done before, which is a sport that has a simultaneous following on both sides of the Atlantic,” Fehr said. “And I owe it all to UMKC.” dmoreno@unews.com
Don Fehr, Executive Director of the NHL Players’ Association. Photo // Dan Moreno
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
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Founders’ Week: A blast from the past UMKC Alumni are scattered all over the world.
The growth of campus.
The changing faces of UMKC 2013.
The changing faces of UMKC 1930
Retirees Association Luncheon began her journey at UMKC with Erin Melrose no college credits. In the duration Broadcast Assistant of her time spent as secretary to the The UMKC Retirees’ Association dean of the School of Pharmacy, she celebrated 80 years on Sept. 30 with managed to achieve four different a luncheon for all retired staff. Staff degrees. Despite retirement, these members gathered to celebrate past staff members are eligible to receive years, recent changes and future credit for any class, free of charge. activities. “I never saw it as a career or life President for the Retirees’ commitment,” Hovis said. Association Patricia Hovis, During the ceremony, appearances serving her last year on the board, were made by Dr. John Haynes, coordinated the warm reception. former chairman of pediatric UMKC’s Retiree Association is a dentistry, and Linda Edwards, program for all retired staff members, former dean of the School of including those retiring within five Education among other esteemed years. Providing an easy adjustment staff members. Both speakers were into the next chapter, the association passionate about their experiences offers programming and activities to at UMKC, and as members of the help the retiring staff stay connected association. with the university. “I retired at the end of December
The evolution of the Roo “We have so much of our life involved in UMKC. I started in ‘68,” Hovis said. Hovis initially came to the university because it was in closer proximity to her job and other job opportunities in the area. Hovis
Photo // Erin Melrose and I haven’t missed a day,” Haynes said. I back out of the driveway and the damn car just heads that way – so there’s no place I’d rather be.” After his first attempt at the dental aptitude failed, Haynes was given the chance to help out in the chemistry
Linda Edwards, former Dean of the School of Education, discussed the opening of her newest project the Academy for Integrated Arts. department while preparing to rePhoto // Erin Melrose take the test. Most of the staff members are happily retired as their new lives begin. “I’m doing a number of things I wasn’t able to do when I was working,” Edwards said. After 33 years at UMKC, Edwards is now involved in a new charter school, the Academy for Integrated Arts. “While I was dean, we made our school be an urban serving teacher prep program, so with AFIA, this is Staff members of the Retirees another way to be involved in urban Association catch up. education,” Edwards said. Photo // Erin Melrose The Retirees’ Association remains busy planning upcoming events, such as the Christmas board meeting and the spring launch of the Emeritus College. This will be a separate entity designed for faculty members who want to give back to the university, which will consist of research and advising space in the Miller Nichols Library. “We’ve been very instrumental in starting the Emeritus College and advising for that to be started so I’m looking forward to that,” Hovis said. Vintage yearbooks and newspaper articles lined Miller Nichols second emelrose@unews.com floor. Photo // Erin Melrose
The evolution of Kasey Roo.
Photos // Ericka Chatman
CAREER EXPO
Sumanth Koushik Kalli Beat Writer Career Services held the 2013 Career Expo on Oct. 2, attracting 68 companies from various industries to set up booths to recruit students for internships and full-time positions. Companies from fields such as business, communications, health sciences, mathematics, marketing, pharmacy, psychology and engineering participated. “This career fair is really helpful for students like me who are looking for their summer internships, and I submitted my résumé in all the companies that fall under my domain,” said Sree Vishnu, graduate student in computer science. Students said the career fair was crucial to those who graduate in December 2013. “I am in my final semester and look forward to get job in a company where I can exhibit my professional competency to the zenith, for which this career fair is a great source,” said Shiva Kumar Gadusu, student from the School of Computing and Engineering. The companies said they were happy to see a large of number of students turn up for the career fair to enquire about opportunities within their companies. “It’s good to see graduating students coming well-groomed with all the skill set required for the present industry, and even new students are turning up to find out the skills they need to build in their upcoming semesters for matching the industry’s standards,” said an employee representative from IBM. skalli@unews.com
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
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UMKC Greek life squashes stereotypes, doesn’t mind updating values Jessica Turner Senior Beat Writer UMKC’s Greek community consists of a diverse range of students, but like many obstacles throughout history, it took persistent voices of the past to paint the picture seen on campus today. Dr. Bob Riggs has witnessed first-hand the traditions of Greek life within the UM System for more than three decades. He began as a freshman in Columbia, and now serves as a physics professor, outreach coordinator and academic adviser to Alpha Delta Pi at UMKC. “I can tell you how racist Greek life was back in the ’70s,” Riggs said. “And from that perspective, I’m very proud of the diversity UMKC’s Greek life shows.” Some of UMKC’s core values include community service, leadership, diversity and academic excellence, which closely mirror many values recognized within
UMKC Campus Ambassador sees no evidence of discrimination in UMKC’s Greek communities. Greek organizations. But how is it possible for these groups—which are also known for cherishing tradition and sacred rituals—to preserve those customs while remaining mindful of progressive societal changes? The question stems from a controversial — and victorious — concern that recently emerged in the South.
Members of Greek life demand change in Alabama Due to pressure from alumnae, black students were passed over by all-white sororities at the University of Alabama until last month, when members of the university’s Greek community publicly voiced intolerance of the discrimination.
Getting through the White Ages
“Officers and members of Sigma Beta Sorority at the University of Kansas City will be initiated…as the Delta Phi chapter of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.” happen here, there would be a massive fiasco, because our chapters wouldn’t stand for it.” Austin explained the disappointing evidence of prejudice in Alabama that garnered national interest, partially because it was not representative of Greek values. “The fact that this came out like this shows that it isn’t your typical thing in Greek systems,” Austin said. “Fortunately, we have a really good example of it here. We have everybody. We have Asian students. We have African-American students. We have Middle Eastern students. Each chapter has plenty of international people.” Lambda Chi Vice President Carter Stephenson agreed, adding that discrimination doesn’t necessarily have to involve ethnicity. “We are based on Christian morals and beliefs,” Stephenson said. “But people joining do not have to be of Christian faith.” UMKC Campus Ambassador Kristopher Webb also serves as the Interfraternity Council chairperson and vice president of programming for Sigma Phi Epsilon. “The whole situation [at UA] was based on the alumni, not the students themselves,” Webb said. “The alumni were like, ‘Hey, we’ll cut funds if you let these black girls in your sororities.’ But I feel like our Greek community represents UMKC. It’s a really diverse campus. We’re very open, very accepting of different cultures and backgrounds, and so that really reflects on Greek
The Delta Chi house at 5235 Rockhill Road in 1979. UMKC Fraternity and Sorority Affairs intern and Lambda Chi Alpha member Tanner Austin believes a similar incident would be highly unlikely at UMKC. “That [situation] would be completely irregular here,” Austin said. “If [discrimination] were to
By 1956 — two years after Decker’s presidency ended — students won their battle to obtain national chapters on campus.
Photo // Kansas City Times, 1979 life here.” Although UMKC’s Greek community doesn’t struggle to toss out old habits and adopt new principles that match the times, the system wasn’t always so open.
Photo // Kansas City Star, 1967
UMKC’s determined students led to an active Greek community National fraternities and sororities originally weren’t allowed at UMKC, so students were limited to joining local Greek organizations. Clarence Decker served as the University
UMKC was desegregated by the mid-1950s, but a visible integrated change in the Greek community didn’t occur until the late 1980s. “I believe UMKC is way ahead in the diversity of its Greek organizations, over what I experienced at Mizzou back in the late ’70s,” Riggs said. Riggs recollected overt racist jokes, pranks and “other such rot,” which were the “order of the day” when he attended MU. “This was so far from the way I was raised,” Riggs said. “In fact, my father, a poor farm boy from Richmond, was opposed to all things Greek, and was, I think, saddened that I felt the need to belong to such a group.” Despite his father’s disapproval, Riggs rose to become president of his house. In an effort to make a difference and move his fraternity in the right direction, he proposed an idea to his Greek brothers. “I remember once bringing up the idea of integrating the fraternity, and that brought out the ‘N-bombs’ in most members,” Riggs said. “This is
System” to inform students about its upcoming Rush Week. There was a separate, smaller article below it titled, “Black Pan Hellenic.” “I think we’re separate because our organizations are based on different things,” then-President of Black Pan Hellenic Stasi Bobo said. “We don’t understand the white organization, and they don’t understand us. We haven’t done a lot together in the past, but we’re going to try to get together more this year.” The articles explained that although Rush Week would begin the following Friday, “Rush for black societies will be held one day second semester for all six organizations together.” Yes, that story ran in 1986. “Fraternities — at least back when I was a member — are shrouded in mystery with their rites of passage to membership,” Riggs said. “My fraternity — and others I can name — were founded on Southern campuses during Reconstruction. They were founded to keep the ‘Southern way of life’ alive in the decimated South. Another notorious organization — the KKK — had the same aims. If you look at the history of fraternities on many campuses, you will see a hazy mixing of these fraternal groups … from Virginia to Wisconsin, thriving during the 1920s.”
UMKC featured “Kasey Sightings” throughout campus during Founders’ Week. of Kansas City’s president from 1938-53 and believed Greek life was “discriminatory, anti-intellectual [and] essentially contradictory to the basic university way of life.” Decker resided at the intersection of 51st Street and Rockhill Road — presently the University House — with his wife, Mary Bell Decker. She opposed Greek life because, during rushing season of her freshman year, her roommate attempted suicide after she was denied entry into her desired sorority. Tonya Crawford, UMKC’s senior archives specialist at the University Archives in Newcomb Hall, explained that since the national organizations weren’t approved, students invented their own informal groups on campus that they called “societies.” “They made up their own, like ‘Beta Zeta,’ ‘Chiko,’ and ‘Cho Chin,’” Crawford said. She read aloud an archived catalog description headline — “Mock funeral at U. for dead hopes of getting Nationals on campus. Nonsegregation factor mentioned in story.” “See, UMKC desegregated early,” Crawford said. “They were completely desegregated, including their societies. But a lot of the national fraternities and sororities were still segregated, and they would not allow them to be on campus because they wouldn’t allow segregation. So once they started admitting AfricanAmericans on campus, the societies were welcome to all comers, too.”
Photo // Jessica Turner
1980 now, not 1956. I never brought it up again. That was Greek life during the Carter Years.” An issue of UMKC’s University News published on Aug. 25, 1986, featured an article called, “The Greek
Greeks at UMKC attempt to change the ‘party image’ with which sororities and fraternities were associated by reaching out to students through the U-News. Photo // University News, 1986
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
Members of UMKC’s fraternities and sororities held a photo shoot earlier this fall.
UMKC reverses stereotypes and jumps aboard the diversity train, leaving MU at the station Riggs said that his fraternity was one strictly of “white privilege.” “In fact, ‘Greek Town’ was a bastion of white privilege, and my perception is that it still remains that way at Columbia,” Riggs said. Webb indicated that, unlike students who may attend traditional campuses, he has never sensed a discrimination problem at UMKC. “I’d say back in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s are your more stereotypical fraternities, like in ‘Animal House,’” Webb said. “But over the years, I
upon students of high merit to join him. “In the ’60s and ’70s, fraternities had low PR because of hazing [harassing a non-active member in any way] and alcohol problems,” Leaper said. “Now fraternities realize that they will die if their image is not improved. We are not looking for partiers. We want responsible, image-oriented individuals.” To advance this positive image of Greek life, UMKC adopted a policy on hazing, which stated, “The persons you have chosen as your new pledges or associates should be treated with the utmost courtesy and consideration. Hazing undermines the whole concept of brotherhood and sisterhood.” Riggs expressed confidence in the intellectual achievements he has seen
campus organizations .… But if they take a look at our chapter, they know that we welcome and accept men based on their character, not the color of their skin or the religion in their lives.” Webb noted that although Greek life hasn’t always been perfect, it has the ability to adapt to changing times, a power put into practice at UMKC.
Greeks at UMKC are keeping up with the times
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Photo // UMKC Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Greek websites, he was pleased to April 1, 1936. see an improvement. “I’m not going to give them the “I can say it has gotten quite a bit impression of their place in life better, but it still has a long way to some commencement day speakers go,” Riggs said. “I see many more do,” Spaeth said . “I don’t intend Latino and Latina students, students to delude them with the idea that of Vitenamese, Chinese, Indian they are going out into the world as and, refreshingly, Middle Eastern ‘leaders’ to ‘pave the way’ for the rest and Eastern European descent, of mankind. I desire to prepare them which is wonderful. I don’t see too for a life of work. We don’t want a lot many AfricanAmerican faces, but I see many more than I would have seen back in my day. However, the traditional black fraternities and sororities seem to be thriving on campus, and it looks to me like the two groups do Kristopher Webb and fellow Greeks socialize on the many activities patio at UMKC’s Student Union. together, which Photo // UMKC Fraternity and Sorority Affairs is great.” Robinson stated that even though he and of leaders with no followers, nor do his brothers are all from different we want a leisure class, especially a backgrounds, he appreciates their leisure class at the bottom of society capacity to come together in an economically.” “amazing organization.” He said UMKC has since adopted the that even though there are members mindset that all students can — whose families come from India, Iran, and should — strive to be leaders, Korea, Vietnam, The Dominican regardless of their economic status, Republic, Africa and America, they skin color, religious beliefs or sexual have formed another collective orientation. family within the Greek community. Vice Chancellor for Student “I love Greek life at UMKC,” Affairs and Enrollment Management Robinson said. “I think it does a Mel Tyler addressed UMKC’s tremendous amount of good – not “most diverse class of incoming only for the individual members, freshmen and new transfer students but also for the community and the ” at Convocation earlier this year. His university. I think everyone who message to students reflected a much comes to UMKC should look into different view from Spaeth’s. Greek life.” “Your success matters to us, and today is that beginning,” Tyler said. “[The coming] years will be filled UMKC maintains with new experiences, academic momentum and challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact on our community, embraces progress as well as for your future.” despite founding Chancellor Leo Morton reiterated principles Tyler’s message of leadership when he spoke at the ceremony. Dr. J. Duncan Spaeth, a Princeton “Your studies need to be your first University educator and the first priority,” Morton said. “But it’s just president of what was then the as important for you to connect with University of Kansas City, addressed UMKC as a person, attending sports his students for the first time on events, plays and musicals. We want you to check out the Student Union, spend time with friends, hear a guest speaker and even play some pool. We want you to make friends, because you will take them with you, just as you take that all-important diploma .… The opportunities are here, but it’s up to you to make the most of it.” UMKC has made an overall commitment to its student body to encourage “energized collaborative communities,” and have support systems available to advance progressive values. When it comes to diversity, a five-minute visit to the quad proves that UMKC’s campus thrives with variety. “It’s hard,” Riggs said. “Most things worth doing are hard. But that doesn’t mean we should stop trying. I’m proud of our kids at UMKC. Do we have our problems? Sure. Are their issues that I don’t see through my lens of white privilege? Absolutely. But as long as we keep talking and trying to understand one another, we’ll get there.”
“As time has evolved, Sigma Phi has evolved also,” Webb said. “It’s been a lot more progressive in recent history. Sigma Phi fraternity, for example, was the first to stop segregation in fraternities back in 1959. We were the first to ban sexual orientation [restrictions] also. We were the first to stop pledging and hazing. As time progresses, Greek life will progress also.” Alpha Sigma Alpha member Shelby Coxon was assistant director of the Office of Student Involvement for six years until this September, when she resigned. Each year, the FSA has a retreat for new Greek members to review rights and resources to ensure they know where to turn for assistance. “In my time as the facilitator for FSA, I have not had any complaints of discrimination within the Greek community and am not aware of any others prior to that,” Coxon said. “From my perspective, I feel that inclusiveness is encouraged and Lambda Chi member Tanner Austin and brothers want prospective members to know that they welcome people of all ethnicities and religions embraced here at UMKC.” President of the Collegiate into their fraternity. Photo // Lambda Chi Alpha Panhellenic Council and member the Theta Omicron chapter of would definitely say our image has as ADPi’s academic advisor. Alpha Sigma Alpha, Sharon James, completely changed. We pursue “I’ve been impressed with the focus expressed a shared perspective. excellence constantly. It’s not just, on academics the members foster “I’ve been blessed with not really ‘Oh, let’s go out and get wasted’ all within the group,” Riggs said. “They ever having to face discrimination the time. It’s actually, ‘Let’s give back take school seriously. I can also say within the UMKC Greek to the community and do what our that about the fraternity members community,” James said. founding fathers wanted us to do.’” I’ve encountered.” Riggs explained that he knows Delta Rho President Margot SigEp President Robert Robinson diversity when he sees it – not only X. Gibson agreed that Greek life shares Gibson’s view of the need to because he has traveled extensively stereotypes send the wrong message discredit false stereotypes. and learned about different to potential members who could “The values of our fraternity are backgrounds, but because he has a benefit from the organizations. very clearly expressed,” Robinson “I feel that many students pass said. “Unfortunately, incoming wide range of students in his classes. up the opportunity to be more freshmen don’t know much about Upon recently reviewing different involved on campus and help their communities when they stereotype Greeks as being too social, hazing, drinking and partying,” Gibson said. “Highlighting negativity within the Greek community is the type of discrimination that all chapters have received, and I don’t believe it solves any problems. It only creates more. The good things we actually do [should be] highlighted on campus, such as philanthropy, academic study halls, student involvement and our ability to come together for common goals.” In 1986, the University News published an article called “Greek System on the go,” in which it attempted to reverse the impression about students in fraternities and sororities. “You discover that fraternities do not exactly live up to that ‘Animal House’ image,” the article stated. “You learn about meeting people, being involved in UMKC and the community, keeping high standards and grades, forming lifetime friendships, establishing a firm future and having a good time.” At the time, the president of the Jude Castro, Bre, Brocker, Reggie Simmons, and Cody Scott reflect a diverse range of students within Greek life IFC was Chris Leaper, who called at UMKC. Photo // UMKC Fraternity and Soroity Affairs
jturner@unews.com
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
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UMKC Athletics has called many places ‘home’
Dan Moreno area, where his reputation as a conservative financier made him the Senior Beat Writer president of the American Bankers’ Swinney Recreation Center, Association. Stanley H. Durwood Stadium The men’s basketball team saw and Municipal Auditorium are success when UMKC was affiliated UMKC’s three venues, which have with the National Association of provided the ’Roos with an electric Intercollegiate Athletes, which atmosphere. caused the ’Roos to move to a bigger Swinney Recreation Center was arena to host home games. built in 1940, seven years after the Municipal Auditorium, located university had established both the at 301 W. 13th St., was built in 1936 men and women’s basketball teams. and was chosen by then University of Kansas City (which became UMKC shortly thereafter) as the new home for the men’s basketball team. Many people claim that the thrilling atmosphere of Muni is one of the best places to watch a game. In 2010, UMKC and the athletics department announced that the men’s basketball team would return to its original home court after Old Swinney had been heavily renovated. UMKC added onto Old Swinney, which remained the university’s only sports facility for decades. The additions included the Dutton Brookfield Strength and Conditioning Edward F. Swinney Center, the Victor F. Courtesy // UMKC Athletics Swyden Athletics Training Facility, the StudentThe building known today as Athlete Support Services Office, five Old Swinney was named in honor basketball courts, four racquetball of Edward F. Swinney, chairman of courts, a 25-meter indoor/outdoor First National Bank of Kansas City, pool and three exercise rooms — who donated $250,000 to the project. two weight rooms and a cardio room. Swinney was a successful The SRC cost approximately $14.5 businessman in the Kansas City million, and has been recognized as
one of the finest fitness centers in the city. When UMKC left the Summit League for the Western Athletic Conference in July 2013, the athletic department announced the men’s basketball team would move back to Municipal Auditorium. In fall 2013, Municipal Auditorium went through a $5 million Municipal Auditorium, located at 301 W 13th St. renovation, which at home games this November. included new video boards, LED In 2009, UMKC and the Stanley scorers’ tables, seating in the lower H. Durwood Foundation built level, and sound system, lighting Durwood Soccer Stadium and and electrical upgrades, which will Recreational Field, which replaced provide a better experience for fans the outdoor track west of SRC,
Courtesy // UMKC Athletics costing approximately $9 million. Stanley H. Durwood was one of UMKC’s and its athletic program’s greatest supporters. Durwood also helped establish an endowed scholarship for UMKC studentathletes. The stadium, which has seating for 850 people, was built to provide athletes, students and community groups with one of the top soccer facilities in the Midwest. Both the men and women’s soccer teams play home games at Durwood Stadium. Durwood Stadium hosts locker rooms for men and women’s soccer, softball and track and field, as well as offices for the coaching staff. dmoreno@unews.com
Aerial view of Durwood Stadium.
Courtesy // UMKC Athletics
Alumnus Profile: Pat Smith
‘College life is huge for every person. I had a learned a lot and can just hope that UMKC students live it to the fullest’ Dan Moreno awesome,” Smith said. “This is something that no one will ever Senior Beat Writer be able to take away from me. It This August, former UMKC was amazing to be around a pro tennis player Pat Smith came close to tournament. Now I am thinking the 2013 US Open after participating about playing some pro events, and if in the US Open National Playoffs everything works out, I will try again teamed with Victoria Lozano. next year.” Smith and Lozano moved up in Smith graduated from UMKC the playoffs in the mixed doubles in 2010, and was named the 2010 bracket but fell at the USTA Billie Summit League Player of the Year Jean King National Tennis Center in while also helping coach the ‘Roos Flushing, N.Y. during the 2011-12 season. Smith said he enjoyed the “I learned a lot from UMKC,” professional experience and will try Smith said. “Coach [Kendell] Hale again next year. taught me a lot too. A lot of my “The US Open Playoffs were success on the court was due to him.
Pat Smith
Courtesy // UMKC Athletics
He made me a mentally tough player and person. He is a great coach that can get the best out of his players if they are willing to listen and work hard. It made me a stronger person in general.” As an international student athlete, Smith enjoyed his years at UMKC and said he’s a proud Kangaroo. “I grew up in Munich, Germany but am a New Zealand citizen,” Smith said. “I was a pre-med, German and a liberal arts degree undergrad, but since I had an extra year of eligibility, Coach Hale asked me to be his graduate assistant, so I decided to graduate with an MBA in finance and entrepreneurship.” The growth UMKC has experienced the last few years has made Smith miss his college years. “UMKC has grown so much since I got here 2005,” Smith said. “Durwood Stadium, Oak Place Apartments, Johnson Hall, the Student Union, New Bloch Building and the third addition to the Miller Nichols Library weren’t all there when I came. I wish all this was there went I first came, but what can I do?” Smith, who plans to continue pursuing his professional tennis career, has important advice for all UMKC students. “Work hard and believe in yourself,” Smith said. “Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer and don’t let a ‘no’ discourage you, because you will be hearing ‘no’ a lot.” dmoreno@unews.com
Pat Smith
Courtesy // UMKC Athletics
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
Soccer kicks founders week into final stretch
Dan Moreno Senior Beat Writer As a part of Founders Week, both the women’s and the men’s soccer teams saw activity this weekend really had something to celebrate. The women’s soccer team defeated the Grand Canyon Antelopes. Friday night, Head Coach Chris Cissell and his team not only defeated the GCU Antelopes but also established new program records for goals in a half and goals in a game after the victory with a final score of 6-2. After the first 45 minutes, the Roos’ and the Antelopes were tied 2-2 in a come-and-go type of game with two goals from senior Taylor Bare. Bare scored her third of the night three minutes after the second half started making it 3-2 for the Blue & Gold. In the 54th minute, junior Ellie Chadick scored the fourth of the night to extend the lead thanks to a junior Kaely Tott assist. This was Chadick’s fourth goal of the season. The Roos’ did not settle and went looking for more goals until junior Alyssa Elver found the net in the 68th minute to score her third of the season. With a goal festival, Cissell’s team did not back down and continued with the attack and in the 78th minute freshman Emily Herndon sealed the victory. This was Herndon’s fifth goal of the season. The women’s soccer team will now head to Orem, Utah to face Utah Valley in the sixth conference
Women’s soccer defeated Grand Canyon Antelopes. game of the season where they stand partial lead after junior Jordan Rideout scored in the 29th minute with a 3-2 record in the WAC. with an assist from sophomore Derek Schrick. Men’s Soccer Thirty seconds after the second Saturday night, the men’s soccer half started senior captain Guerrero team was unable to round the Pino got a red card for an apparent Founders’ Week celebration and foul inside of the box that gave the the WAC Conference opener as Huskies the opportunity to tie the head coach Benben’s team lost to the game from a penalty kick. With ten players on the field, Houston Baptist Huskies. At the end of the first half, the the Roos’ fought hard to score the Roos’ had total control of the game second goal but the Huskies took the and went to halftime with a 1-0 lead after a 30-yard shot that beat
Courtesy // UMKC Athletics junior goalkeeper Chris McGaughey. After this loss, the Roos’ stand with an overall record of 1-5-3, 0-1 in the WAC and will head to Colorado Springs, Col., to face Air Force this Friday and to Phoenix, Ari., on Sunday versus Grand Canyon in two crucial conference games. dmoreno@unews.com
Youth soccer clinic gives back to community
Health Recipe: Blue Roo Pinwheels
add marshmallows to gelatin Lindsay Adams mixture. Microwave one minute or Senior Beat Writer until marshmallows almost melt, At only 50 calories per pinwheel, then stir until completely melted and students can celebrate UMKC’s mixture is smooth (the creamy layer Founders’ Week without feeling will float to the top). guilty. Pour mixture into a prepared pan and refrigerate 35-40 minutes or Ingredients: until mixture is just barely set. Do • 1 (3 ounce) package Berry Blue not let gelatin mixture completely JELL-O gelatin set to make the pinwheel effect. • 1/2 cup warm water Loosen edges with a knife dipped • 1 1/2 cups miniature in warm water. Once edges are marshmallows or 12 large loosened from sides of the pan at one marshmallows end, roll up gelatin very tightly. With seam side down, cut into half-inch Directions: slices. Serve pinwheels immediately Lightly spray 8-9-in. square or refrigerate until ready to serve. pan with cooking spray. Stir gelatin and water together in a A serving size is approximately large microwavable bowl until 24 grams and recipe yields 10-12 thoroughly mixed. Cook mixture 50-calorie pinwheels. in the microwave on high for 1 1/2 ladams@unews.com minutes, then stir to dissolve gelatin completely. Once gelatin mixture is dissolved,
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The Women’s soccer team holds a youth soccer clinic on Saturday, Oct. 5. Photo // HIral Patel Hiral Patel
Contributing Writer
The UMKC Women’s Soccer Team hosted a soccer youth clinic on Oct. 5th at 3:00 PM on the Durwood Soccer Stadium. As a part of Founders’ Week, the women’s soccer team hosts this every year. This event was provided for boys and girls that are in first grade through eighth grade. “My sister works at UMKC, and I heard about this clinic through her,” said Stephanie Wilson, parent of an attendant. “We take my daughter here to see the soccer games.” “We do this every year in conjunction of our Founders’ Week,” said Chris Cissell, head coach of the Women’s Soccer Team. “We offer this free two- hour clinic on our field, and I think it’s important for us as UMKC players and coaches to give
back to the community and help the kids to get better at soccer,” Cissell said. Cissell became the head coach for the Women’s Soccer Team at UMKC in 2011. Before that, he was the head coach of the women’s and men’s soccer teams at William Jewell College. “…Hopefully they’ll [attendants] enjoy the clinic, and get something out of it and maybe want to come and see some of our games in the future,” said Cissell. The Women’s Soccer Team holds youth camps in the summer. The Men’s Soccer Team also holds clinics and camps throughout the year.
Blood Drive In Memory of Rashonda
Rashonda Stanley Courtesy // UMKC Athletics Prannoy Kiran Contributing Writer
The UMKC softball team hosted the Second Annual Rashonda Stanley Memorial Blood Drive at Swinney Recreation Center in memory of its former team member on Oct. 4. The event partnered with Fraternity & Sorority Affairs. Stanley died in a car accident on Oct. 2, 2011. In her memory, UMKC conducts a blood drive each year in collaboration with the Community Blood Center, an active participant with America’s Blood Centers. Stanley, originally from Jefferson City, Mo., was affectionately known by her family, friends, coaches and teammates, according to UMKC Athletics. She brought an unrivaled level of dedication and intensity to the classroom and the softball field. In a short time, she grew into a skilled softball player. In 2010, Stanley played 32 games, recording a .125 on-base percentage. She finished third on the team, stealing 10 out of 11 bases, and scoring seven runs. Stanley played a number of roles for the Roos’ softball team. She split her time as a skilled outfielder and a pinch runner, and always rallied her teammates during exceptional or difficult situations during each game. “Rashonda was one of the people who always wanted to give blood, and that’s how this drive initiated,” former teammate Natalie Brock said. “She is always smiling, positive – always wanted her team to give blood. She always wanted to pass a positive energy on campus.” Chris Hanson, the supervisor for the Community Blood Bank, arranged the equipment, beds and refreshments for the donors. Many athletes and coaches showed their gratitude toward Stanley by donating blood. “We recorded 70 units of blood on Oct., 2012, at the first annual Shonda Stanley Memorial Blood Drive, and we are expecting more this time,” Hanson said. pkiran@unews.com
hpatel@unews.com
Illustration // Joey Hill
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
10
Eight decades of the best in music
Erin Melrose Broadcast Assistant
As UMKC celebrates its 80th anniversary, let’s look back at the musical icons and entertainers of the past 80 years that exploded in pop culture. During these eight decades, music has been transformed and new genres have emerged, producing tracks that often evoke memories or emotions from the moment one presses play.
1940
1980
1940:
Frank Sinatra is the man to thank for delivering the world on a string and making listeners feel amazing about the “way we look tonight.” With popular hits that burst with brass solos and enthusiasm, Sinatra reminded Americans about a world full of possibility despite the gloomy aftermath of World War II.
1950:
It’s hard to believe a simple kid from Memphis reigns as the king of rock & roll. Elvis Presley churned out soulful beats that have inspired musicians throughout every decade.
1960:
This was the decade when Paul, Simon, George and Ringo emerged as The Beatles and began a new era of music in America. Melodies and lyrics alike spread like wildfire across the country. Love and happiness became a permanent trend, and The Beatles paved the way for the influx of 60s and 70s rock bands.
Frank Sinatra
1950
1970:
Combine Studio 54 with a giant silver ball, and disco fever was born. The Bee Gees, Earth Wind & Fire and Abba took a light-hearted approach to music and produced famous dance hits almost every generation can recall to this day.
1980:
The ‘80s stepped boldly on the scene with the introduction of Music Television. Michael Jackson embraced the video whirlwind with his 13-minute classic single, “Thriller.” Hair metal bands like Poison & Def Leppard emerged with a large fan base.
One of the many iconic Michael Jackson moves.
1990
1990:
The ‘90s brought a decade of choices. Multiple musical genres gained equal popularity, especially grunge and rap. Fans were forced to choose between Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac, and later between Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Despite his talent and popularity, listeners bid adieu to alternative icon Kurt Cobain.
2000:
And then there were boy bands. The chance that Backstreet Boys and N’sync don’t ring a bell seems virtually impossible. Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass and Nick Carter melted hearts with their boyish charm and pop hits. Pop fans also celebrated the arrival of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, who emerged from Mickey Mouse Club beginnings and set the bar high in pop music. The Spice Girls obsession swept the nation, and Sporty Spice, Scary Spice, Posh Spice, Baby Spice and Ginger Spice stole the hearts of children and teenagers, and even released the movie “Spice World.”
King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley.
1960
Hipster seems to be the key word in music after just three years of the current decade. With talented lyricists like Macklemore and Lana Del Rey, music is transforming into a large collaboration of all genres. Everything is fair game and the lines between rap and rock are becoming blurred.
2000
One of the most familiar album covers to fans. Poster artist Peter Max inspired the flowing and colorful style of art associated with The Beatles.
ABBA was no stranger to the Disco scene.
Rap Legend Tupac Shakur.
Now:
emelrose@unews.com
1970
Notorious BIG
Glory Days of live Nirvana shows before the death of Kurt Cobain.
The Britney we loved pre-Hollywood meltdown.
Now
A true testament to hardwork paying off, Macklemore deserves every bit of his success. Photos // Google
Sultry Lana Del Rey.
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
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The evolution of student life on campus house, it was more than enough Lindsay Nelson space for the class sizes in those days. Broadcast Assistant When the student population Prior to the 1950s, UMKC students outgrew its first Student Union, did not have a student union of any they transitioned into the use of a kind. Most campus-wide activities University Center. The University such as Hobo Day and student rallies Center was able to accommodate were primarily conducted in the more students for more events more quad or the area that is called the frequently. The University Center is University Playhouse. Some events now called the Atterbury Student were occasionally held in the library Success Center, and it houses the or other buildings near campus. cafeteria and other offices on campus. By the late 1950s, the students Today the Student Union is a finally had their own building. Their building for just about anything. Student Union, also referred to as the The building is open 7a.m.-11p.m. Kangaroost, was far more isolated Monday through Saturday and on campus than the one today and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. Eating only had two levels. It was a quaint establishments in the Student Union building with trees in the front and include Jazzman’s Cafe and Bakery, a concrete path that led up to the Chick-fil-A, Baja Fresh Express and entrance. Although the building was SubConnection. A Redbox is located no bigger than the size of an average
Student Union building in the winter of 1958.
University Centers, past and preseent.
outside the lower level doors. The theater in the lower level is the prime location for movie nights held by many departments, most frequently the Union Programming Board. The Office of Student Involvement can be found on the third floor, home to LGBTQIA Programs and Services and the Rainbow Lounge. Also on the third flood are the student organization office spaces, where select groups have cubicles designated to them.. For alumni returning to campus today, the current student union is a vast upgrade to the Roost and proceeding student unions provided in the past.
Photo // University Archives
lnelson@unews.com
Students cheer on their classmates at a Greek event held in the quad. Photo // University Archives
UMKC Student Union 2012.
Photo // University Archives
Photos // University Archives
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
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Kansas City’s film influence through the decades 2013
Chloe Robbins-Anderson
Kansas City has played host to many actors, composers, writers and producers, many of whom are UMKC alumni. Movies filmed in the area have given these local artists a perfect pathway into the industry. The following list shows how Kansas City’s influence on movies has expanded and evolved over the years.
2013: Nailbiter
2008
1991
When their father finally returns from military deployment, the Maguire girls and their mother head to the airport so the first faces he sees upon arrival are of loved ones. A tornado hits the highway on their way to the airport, forcing them to seek refuge in a nearby abandoned house. They quickly discover the house is inhabited by a malformed creature who hunts them down one by one. The girls’ mother is played by UMKC alumna Erin McGrane, who still lives and performs music in town under the stage name Penny (of Victor and Penny). She has also been in “Fling,” “Raising Jeffrey Dahmer” and briefly appeared in “Up in the Air,” among others.
2008: The Day the Earth Stood Still
This remake shows mankind’s reaction when alien Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) arrives in a spaceship with a giant, powerful robot. He claims he is there to save the world, but it becomes apparent his method of saving the earth is actually by destroying mankind. Scientist Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) tries to show him mankind is capable of great and beautiful things. The scientist studying Klaatu is played by Jon Hamm, who received his English degree from the University of Missouri. Hamm began his acting career at Mizzou, and has since progressed into his most famous role as Don Draper in “Mad Men.”
1991: Thelma & Louise
1986
Copy Editor
When Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) decide to leave their abusive men, they do it in style with a ’66 Thunderbird. The duo heads to Mexico after killing a man who threatens to rape Thelma, and the two quickly find themselves running from the police. It’s one of the best woman-power movies out there, with a fun but meaningful relationship between the two actresses. On their journey the two women encounter a handsome young man (Brad Pitt) who teaches them not to trust their hormones. Pitt nearly earned his journalism degree at the University of Missouri, but left the university just before graduating to pursue acting opportunities.
1986: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is the quintessential day off movie. Matthew Broderick stars as the titular character, who decides one morning he is not going to school. After convincing his parents he’s sick, he gets his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) out of class. As they explore the city, the group barely escapes being caught by Buellers’ parents, sister and principal. The school’s principal is aided by Grace, played by UMKC alumna Edie McClurg. She’s brilliant as the perky secretary who tries to help, but just can’t get behind his conspiracy theory.
1976
1976: The Student Body
This low-budget exploitation film focuses on three young women who are offered early parole from a women’s prison if they participate in an aggression study at the local college. Dr. Blalock (Warren Stevens) gives the women an experimental drug intended to suppress aggression, but instead, makes them gradually more aggressive. This film was shot in Kansas City, and includes a drag racing scene filmed on Kansas City streets with local actors. Some of these locals have gone on to have successful film careers, such as Holmes Osborne, who now has approximately 90 movies under his belt, with “The Student Body” being his first.
1967
1967: In Cold Blood
Truman Capote’s book “In Cold Blood” brought Kansas City attention for a reason no city would want: a grisly murder in nearby Holcomb, Kan. A year after the book’s release, Hollywood released a film version filmed in and around Kansas City in the actual places where events occurred. It stars Robert Blake and Scott Wilson as the men who kill the Clutter family. This movie ended up being a big break for some Kansas City talent, including Mary Linda Rapelye, who most recently had a small role in “The Proposal” with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.
1953
1953: War of the Worlds
Aliens take over the world, and they strike all at once— and hard. Based on H.G. Wells’ radio-play-turned-book of the same name, the film focuses on the experience of people in a small town in California who welcome the aliens before they discover their malicious intentions. The man behind the nail-biting music who made “War of the Worlds” a classic was composer and UMKC alumnus Leith Stevens. Stevens worked on 96 movies and TV shows, giving each the perfect mood with his musical composition. During this time, he also co-founded the Composers and Lyricists Guild of America.
1941: Law of the Tropics
When Jim Conway (Jeffrey Lynn) receives a telegram from his fiancée stating she can’t bear to live with him in the jungle, he has entertainer Joan (Constance Bennett) pose as his wife to avoid embarrassment. She ends up falling in love with him and getting him the raise he deserves at the King rubber plantation from his new, quicker method to make rubber. UMKC alumnus Craig Stevens plays the son of the plantation owner, Alfred King, Jr. Stevens set the example for Hamm and Pitt by being seduced by acting while pursuing a different degree. He received his degree in dentistry in 1936, but moved on to Hollywood immediately after.
canderson@unews.com
Photos // Google
1941
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
Lindsay Adams
Senior Beat Writer
“Monsters University,” a film filled with nostalgia of college experiences, was a perfect choice to celebrate UMKC’s Founders’ Week. The audience empathizes with the search to find oneself and envision a life plan for education and in community, where one meets lifelong friends. The film presents the chipper school orientation leaders and the blissful first day. It is comical when the movie characters call the school MU and insist it is the best school ever. Those who have seen “Monsters, Inc.,” will appreciate some great cameos and tieins to the first movie. Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) starts college with a huge backpack and a retainer, dreaming of becoming the best scarer ever and working for Monsters Inc., Monstropolis’ best-known scaring company that uses children’s screams to power the city. He enrolls as a scare major, meeting his roommate, Randall “Randy” Boggs (voiced by Steve Buscemi), and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (voiced by John Goodman). Sulley and Mike start off on a bad foot when Sulley dismisses him, saying Mike isn’t scary at all. Sulley is the kind of student who eases through
everything, feeling entitled because he comes from a family of scarers. Sulley argues, “You don’t have to study scaring, you just do it.” Mike is the quiet, studious type, making up in brains what he lacks in beastliness. He and Sulley become rivals, and while Sulley is scarier, Mike does much better because of his hard work. Their rivalry soon gets out of hand and they get kicked out of the program by the scary Dean Hardscrabble (voiced by Helen Mirren). She speaks to the scarers on the first day, saying, “Scariness is the true measure of a monster. If you’re not scary, what kind of a monster are you?” Mike and Sulley are forced to work together. They join the Oozma Kappas, the university’s fraternity of outcasts, so they can compete in the Scare Games and get back into the Scare program. However, to do so they have to beat the most prestigious scaring fraternity of campus, Roar Omega Roar. The Oozma Kappas are a band of lovable misfits that includes members from the nontraditional student to the kid whose mom follows him everywhere. Mike becomes coach of the Oozma Kappas, teaching them how to use their own special skills to succeed. “Monsters University”
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is like any triumphant sports movie. You know where it is going, but it doesn’t have an oversimplified ending one might expect a children’s movie to have. The film takes a surprising turn that sets it apart. The film focuses on finding unlikely friendships and working as a team, but also recognizing one’s limitations. “Monsters University” successfully creates a believable university by portraying students sleeping in the library, fulfilling their work study and fighting to get into fraternities. This is possible because of the beautiful and detailed artwork, as well as some clever visual gags, like one monster using his four arms to drink coffee from four different cups. Others include a shaggy art monster dipping himself in paint and throwing himself at a canvas and a debate team lead by a monster with two arguing heads. The filmmakers actually researched colleges for the film, visiting Harvard University, Stanford University and University of Alabama to observe architecture, student life and professors and faculty. Many of the producers spent several weeks at a fraternity house to get an accurate tone for the film. “Monsters University” is a charming and nostalgic prequel that, while not quite as inventive as the first, is just as sweet.
ladams@unews.com
“Gruesome Playground Injuries” is a daring theatre experience overtly nostalgic or hokey, even Lindsay Adams in its depiction of 8-year-olds and Senior Beat Writer teenagers. Joseph has a keen sense for The Fishtank’s new show, while human moments, such as the 8-yearordinary by the standards of the old Kayleen wanting to touch Doug’s boundary-crossing work its known wound, or 13-year-old Doug asking for, is an unusual show. “Gruesome Kayleen to practice kissing. Playground Injuries” is unafraid to Every stage of the characters’ lives, open up and explore the wounds from from ages 8 to 38, seems real, thanks which people suffer. The evening of to performances by Roady and Van. theatre, while exploring some dark They have to create characters with and uncomfortable topics, manages incredible gaps in between, and to find the comedy that tempers even their performances fill the empty the worst circumstances in real life. spaces in the script. Ultimately the Doug (Chris Roady) and Kayleen characters are under-developed in (Heidi Van) first meet in a nurse’s the writing, but made real by the office. He rode his bike off the school actors inhabiting them. roof and has a gash and she has Roady brought depth to a an upset stomach. They forge an character that could come off as unlikely and sometimes antagonistic oversimplified, a problem the play bond that is tested and strengthened struggles with even in its dealings when their paths continue to with certain serious subject matters. intersect at often bizarre moments. Van’s angsty, my-life-is-the–worst Each scene presents a new injury or depiction of 13-year-old Kayleen emotional blow. Over the 30-year was almost disturbingly accurate, span, they are forced to evaluate from her physicality to her staccato what they really mean to each other. delivery of “Shut up” whenever The high-concept show uses a her character is uncomfortable. scattered chronology, with the actors Her delivery of a heart-wrenching changing clothes and adding or monologue when Kayleen is talking removing wounds between scenes. to a comatose Doug, letting her It can feel a bit lopsided with two feelings for him show for the first scenes within hours of each other time as she doesn’t think he can hear in real time, but spaced far away her, is phenomenal. Van’s portrayal in the play. Some of the costume of Kayleen is always veering between changes take too long, but the sheer jagged aggression and brittle pain. theatricality of having them change The play’s obvious metaphor and scar themselves in full view comparing emotional and physical of the audience between scenes is injuries works. However, there intriguing. is an occasional disappointing Playwright Rajiv Joseph has a oversimplification of the injuries deft hand at dialogue, which helps suffered. They externalize their the show feel genuine rather than internal injuries, Kayleen in a more
obvious way, but Doug’s daredevil antics are just another form of self-mutilation. The point of the play is that this self-destructive duo ultimately needs each other for healing. Doug and Kayleen are defined only in their scenes and relationships to each other, which leads to their relationship throughout the show feeling unnervingly co-dependent. Occasionally the character of Kayleen feels like she is falling into the stereotype of the beautiful wreck that needs to be put back together by a guy. The show doesn’t fall into this trap, though. Instead, Heidi Van and Chris Roady in “Gruesome Playground in the final scene Injuries.” Photo // Brian Paulette Kayleen is able to assert her own independence. She recognizes she Sidonie Garrett, it usually stays doesn’t need Doug to heal her. She balanced in this tightrope act, but wants to heal him for her own sake, occasionally veers too far into the disturbing for the romance it is not for his. The play has to work a delicate trying to be. The length of time they lack any balance between disturbing and sweet. Due to strong direction by contact with each other seems a
bit excessive, especially as they are supposed to be soul mates. Considering the short length of the play and its ending at the rather arbitrary age of 38, it almost feels as if adding a few more scenes might not be a bad idea. The last scene, especially, feels too short, which leads to an unresolved experience. The production team includes three current UMKC students. Chloe’ Robbins-Anderson stage manages the show, Shara Abvidi designed the lights and graduate student Nihan Yesil composed music. While the production elements are meant to be stripped down and basic, the work they do perfectly complements the show. Abvidi’s skills as a designer are really on display. Her minimal but effective lighting design creates the place perfectly. Her lighting for a scene in an ice rink is especially commendable. UMKC alumna Mary Nichols’ bare bones set works well for the show. It is comprised of different bench-like pieces that can be taken apart or pieced back together and resembles a spinal cord. The show runs weekends through Oct. 13 at the Fishtank Performance Studio. For more information, call 816-809-7110 or go to BrownPaperTickets.com.
ladams@unews.com
Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
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Disclaimer: The views of individual writers expressed below in this section do not represent the official stance of U-News. U-News welcomes participation from all UMKC students. Letters to the editor may be submitted to Editors-in-Chief Roze Brooks and Elizabeth Golden, editor@unews.com.
Screw J-Schools UM...KC? Why I transferred to UMKC Matt Melson Broadcast Assistant
hope my ability to construct a proper Elizabeth Golden sentence would be more important Co-Editor-In-Chief than my ability to randomly fill in Throughout high school, I knew bubbles. So, I decided to pursue other what I wanted to be and where schools that were more interested I needed to go. I wanted to be a in crazy things like extracurricular journalist and the University of activities and GPA. Missouri was the best place to be. I finally decided on Austin College, I bought the paraphernalia, toured a private liberal arts college an hour the school, spoke to the head honcho north of Dallas. It was everything my professors and was ready to start my high school wanted: small, private, life as a minion. expensive and elite. The whole time I was thinking, It didn’t have a J-School or anything “This isn’t me. I don’t want to be a resembling a journalism program. I number.” Why does one of the best didn’t care since everyone around me journalism schools in the country was happy and the college had other have be full of more than 20,000 majors like pre-med, psychology and future whatevers? But I continued on media studies. Naturally, I chose the same path – until I realized MU pre-med. After all, the universe kept only wanted minions who are good telling me, “Journalism is dying, be at taking tests. a doctor.” I quickly realized I had In high school, I went to a super a strong hatred for chemistry, so prestigious, private all-girls school. It I chose psychology – an obvious had a 100 percent college attendance decision, of course. rate, and local or community colleges I was boycotting media studies, the were considered not good enough. closest major to journalism, because I Public schools were only acceptable felt like I wasn’t good enough to go if the student attended a high-status to MU, so I had to pick something program within the university. I completely unrelated to my talents. managed to graduate as editor-in- I always sucked at science, so that chief of the school newspaper with a makes it a perfect major, right? high GPA, along with completing AP One semester and three majors and honors classes. later, I realized it was an idiotic However, I had one little problem decision to attend a school that had that separated me from the MU practically nothing to offer me. J-School. I sucked at taking How did UMKC come into play? standardized tests. The minimum To be honest, the reason I chose ACT score to be accepted into the UMKC was convenience. I was school is 28. I did not have a 28. homesick and didn’t want to go I didn’t want to enroll as pre- through the hassle of applying to journalism major because it would schools and packing up my life to embarrass my high school, and I had move again. no interest in a program requiring a Upon hesitantly entering, I had certain ACT score anyway. I want to the mindset that I was only here to be a journalist, not a mathematician, get my degree and get out as quickly professional reader or wanna-be as possible. I decided to abandon the science graph interpreter. I would
Elizabeth Golden concept of money and enrolled as a communications major with a double emphasis in film and journalism. I had been so focused on doing what the world told me to do that I forgot my original ambitions. Although I may have not chosen UMKC for the best reasons, now I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I can’t imagine a school with better journalism professors. These guys are real journalists. They’ve been out in the field. They’re not just standing on a podium lecturing about some world they know nothing about. I’ve also interviewed two Pulitzer Prizewinning journalists. And, I’ve found my life, also known as University News. I’ve learned more about the field than I could ever have imagined when first deciding to waste away three years just trying to get that degree in my hands. All in all, I’m glad I wasn’t good enough to get into MU. I really have no interest in becoming a robot. I don’t look very good in silver anyway.
Why did I choose UMKC as the university for my higher education? The answer is a bit complex. In high school, when asked where I was attending college, I never had an answer. If I didn’t have an answer, people would ask where in the nation I wanted to attend college. My answer usually ended up, “Um.... KC?” I never knew why I wanted to stay in the city I grew up in, but I wanted to stay here and experience what college life had to offer. When I started to apply for colleges, UMKC sent me a pamphlet of information on the University. My initial reaction was “Hahaha....no.” But as time passed, UMKC started to seem like the best choice possible. I eventually applied and was accepted. I was excited to finally have my future figured out. The first year at UMKC was another story. I truly hated my first year at this university. Commuting was a hassle. Living off campus made it extremely difficult to make any friends. I was barely involved in anything on campus. My life consisted of going to class, going home and getting those wonderful parking tickets the university loves to dish out. I wanted to transfer after my first year. I applied to Missouri State and was accepted. I had everything in order to leave UMKC when I got a letter from Missouri State saying my credits wouldn’t be accepted, meaning I would have to retake my entire freshman year. I was stuck. Stay here or retake an entire year of school? I decided to stick it out but was hesitant about what the next year would be like. If it was anything like the year prior, I planned to transfer at semester and take the credit hit. My second year, to my amazement,
Matt Melson was better. I was cast in my first play, saw people I knew from other classes, started making friends and finally figured out how to park without getting a ticket. Life was good. My time at UMKC has stayed this way since my sophomore year. People have asked over the years why I chose UMKC, but that is the wrong question. Since I only applied to go to UMKC when I was in high school, that question doesn’t work. The real question is why I stayed at UMKC. That has a simple answer. I stayed because I found my place in the world. Once I started to take advantage of what the university has to offer and stopped isolating myself from college life, I started to enjoy it. There are many people who I hear complain about attending UMKC. They complain about Greek life or parking tickets or their classes. It’s okay to complain from time to time, but these people need to take a step back and realize what they are a part of: a great, diverse university that gives its students the best possible experience, so long as they seek it. By taking advantage of activities on campus, the opportunities for work like being the manager of the softball team and engaging with people on campus, complaints may shift to enjoyment. mmelson@unews.com
egolden@unews.com
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Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
Alma Mater for Life Roze Brooks
Co-Editor-In-Chief
As the University News has taken a microscopic look at UMKC alumni over the past few weeks, that dreaded “g” word has been tossed around quite a bit: graduation. For some, this seal of completion marking the end of an undergraduate tenure is far beyond their scope. For others, the “prepare for takeoff” sign is already flashing and we have a one way ticket to whatever endeavors are in store for us next. I’m in line with the other seniors holding boarding passes for diplomas. The only problem is that I don’t know where the final destination will be. However, I’m beginning to feel like that’s the best mindset to be in as I start making my plans for life outside these blue and gold walls. If there’s one thing I’ve gathered from the interviews, stories and speeches given by alumni, administrators and other members of the UMKC community, it’s that uncertainty is a privilege. As the University celebrates its 80th anniversary, I would wager a guess that no one had any idea what was in store for its future. The founders of the University set out with a wild, haphazard ambition, acquired an ideal plot of land and created an institution based on values that have greatly changed and adapted to the ideals of Kansas City. The University has grown into a cesspool of acceptance, creativity and it continually sets the standard. A quick glance at other big rig colleges in the country would not reveal nearly as much progression and diversity as this Midwest best kept secret. It’s time to stop keeping the secret. UMKC has slowly been trying to take ownership of its accomplishments, but that responsibility doesn’t lie solely on the campus. It also falls on the alumni. Those who have
Roze Brooks walked these halls and watched this University grow should feel so inclined to be its primary ambassadors. This institution has taken great strides to promote and recognize the accomplishments of its current community and its alumni. As a strong advocate for reciprocation, being “UMKC Proud” well past graduation not only strengthens the University, but brings UMKC the attention it needs to garner new leaders and milestones. For many students, two to four years of our lives are spent traipsing through our uncertainty as undergraduates. Instead of feeling as though we’re being catapulted into a brick wall of unsolicited adulthood, letting the support from our alma mater continue to steer us into our next chapter will make uncertainty less daunting. This celebration of 80 years is not about UMKC getting lots of gifts. Everyone is receiving a party hat, everyone gets to take a swing at the piñata and everyone gets a slice of cake. And if UMKC were to blow out the candles and make a wish, I’m sure it would hope for strong relationships with anyone who’s ever called this University home in the past, present and the future. rbrooks@unews.com
A Spirited Bunch of Roos Lindsay Nelson Broadcast Assistant The importance of “getting involved” and “gaining school pride” was ingrained into my brain all throughout freshman year of college. I often dismissed the idea because I commute to school and I work 30 minutes away and other lame excuses. However, I could only refuse for so long. At UMKC, the sense of campus spirit is different from that of most other universities. Not a single prospective UMKC student could visit and feel pestered by a superficial or cliché display of school pride. There is no football team as a security blanket for keeping spirit up. Rockhurst University is less than half a mile away, but is often deemed a rival by default. Above all, the student population does not advertise UMKC with excessive propaganda. It can be easily observed that we are just genuinely proud to be Roos. Our university has an abundance of events and clubs to experience at almost any time of the day. Moreover, they are activities of substance. There isn’t just a party here and a rave there. We students can look at the stars in the observatory above Royall Hall. We can race self-engineered robots. We can sing at open mic nights in the Student Union or see
Lindsay Nelson performances by the Conservatory and theater departments. We can excitedly show support through LGBTQIA programs. The Greek life experience is always expanding. Even the foreign language clubs have bragging rights. No matter how hard you try, you will be won over. The campus spirit of UMKC is not manufactured. It is not a façade. It is instilled by faculty members who invest in our futures. It is established through leaders that want to challenge and excite us. It is derived from the families formed in each department. Everyone is simply happy to be here, which I think is all that is necessary to have true campus spirit. lnelson@unews.com
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Monday October 7, 2013 | Issue 8
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