UMKC Launches Record-Breaking Campaign to Transform the Future
Blue & Bold aims to empower students, advance research and elevate communities
BY STACY DOWNS
UMKC campus and community celebrate the launch of the Blue & Bold Campaign Oct. 17, 2025. PHOTO / BRANDON PARIGO
A bold vision, indeed.
UMKC has launched the largest fundraising campaign in its 92-year history, a transformational initiative to improve lives through education, research, economic development and community engagement.
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal joined students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and partners on Oct. 17 at the State of the University to announce Blue & Bold, a comprehensive campaign with a goal to raise $700 million.
“While our goal is an ambitious amount, it will help us keep growing and thriving at a time when we’re already riding an incredible wave,” Agrawal said. “I’m inviting you to help turn today’s momentum into tomorrow’s breakthroughs to strengthen our community and our world.”
Blue & Bold is focused on funding three priorities to elevate UMKC’s mission in service to the region and globe: scholarships and student support; innovation, technology and entrepreneurial education as a national top-tier Carnegie Research 1 institution; and community engagement through services including healthcare, workforce development and other critical needs.
The campaign is comprehensive, and funds will be raised to impact every corner of the university. Each school and program will have vision and priorities specific to its needs and every part of the Roo Family will be engaged in providing uplift to UMKC through philanthropy.
Blue & Bold will invest a minimum of $250 million in the infrastructure of UMKC campuses, building and renovating to ensure the university’s talented students and faculty have access to facilities that spark brilliance and change. Examples include the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building on the Health Sciences Campus, which is set to be completed in 2026. This funding also will go to the expansion of the Performing Arts Center and a newly renovated Student Success Complex, both in the heart of the Volker Campus.
The campaign will also ensure the future by adding a further $100 million to UMKC’s endowments, providing an average of $50 million in annual support to students, faculty and programs in all areas across the university.
Roo statue created by artist Tom Corbin at the heart of Volker Campus. PHOTO / BRANDON PARIGO
The Three Blue & Bold Emphasis Areas
Release the Potential in Every Roo
Scholarship and student support programming helps every student on our campuses fulfill their potential, complete their degree and go on to innovate and lead in both their chosen field and in their community. Direct financial support, counseling and academic tutoring among other services are essential in helping students finish their degrees and prepare to make an impact in their chosen fields.
Transform Discovery for the Challenges of the Future
The extraordinary research, technology and innovation happening at UMKC will help meet the challenges and opportunities of the coming decades. Building on UMKC's strong history of quality research, innovation and entrepreneurship education, we will ensure UMKC makes a strong contribution to the future of our city, and the world, through the philanthropic support of faculty positions, research and innovation programming.
Create Servant Leadership for a Better World
UMKC has a long, rich tradition of direct engagement in the Kansas City community. We call it our "culture of care." The university’s clinics, centers and service programs provide healthcare, social services and support to our region and beyond while giving our students the rich experiences that will prepare them for a lifetime of leadership and service. In addition to support for social services, UMKC does crucial work in the space of entrepreneurship and workforce development.