A Message from Alumni Relations

As we invite you to read the 2026 issue of Perspectives, we are proud to share the momentum behind Blue & Bold: The Campaign for UMKC — our most ambitious and comprehensive fundraising effort to date. Announced in October 2025, this campaign is an affirmation of our commitment to student success, groundbreaking research, and the enduring impact of our UMKC community. It is a call to action for those who believe in the future we are building together.

This issue arrives at a moment of global attention for our city, as Kansas City prepares to host the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World CupTM. While the stories you’re about to read are not about the tournament itself, they reflect the work UMKC and its alumni are doing in areas that intersect with this international event, from transportation and sustainability, to branding and security, and beyond.

Whether you live in Kansas City, across the nation, or around the world, the work featured in this issue speaks to the values and vision that unite us as Roos.

As always, this magazine is a testament to alumni engagement. Your support — whether through mentorship, advocacy, volunteerism, or philanthropy — helps fuel our mission and amplify our impact. Every connection you maintain with UMKC strengthens our community and inspires the next generation of leaders.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your pride in UMKC and your belief in our mission continue to move us forward. Together, we are building a university — and a future — that is bold, accessible, and ready to meet the moment.

Roo Up!

Kaity Woody (MPA ’15) Assistant Vice Chancellor, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving

Amanda Davis (MPA ’07) Chief Advancement Officer and President, UMKC Foundation