UMKC Law Foundation
DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE UMKC SCHOOL OF LAW,
You've had the opportunity to read stories in this edition of Res Ipsa that focus on many new beginnings for the UMKC School of Law. Certainly, a significant new beginning is our welcome of Dean Lumen “Lou” Mulligan. Hopefully, you’ve learned more about him and his charitable priorities for the UMKC School of Law while reading these pages. In July, we celebrated a successful end to the Campaign for Advocates, which raised $1 million to support trial advocacy programs, and we now celebrate the launch of a program that allows J.D. graduates from UMKC Law to receive bar preparation support as part of their tuition and fees. Of course, this does come at a cost to the law school, and your donations are welcomed to help ensure the long-term success of this program. We will also have many opportunities to support the Center for Law, Entrepreneurship and Innovation and look forward to inviting you to its open house in Spring 2024.
Continue down this page to see testimonials from alumni who chose to support the Law Foundation by establishing new endowed scholarships, and we’ve also included recognition of all alumni and friends who have supported the UMKC Law Foundation and School of Law during the past academic year. Your annual gifts enhance the legal opportunities for our students and faculty members each year by providing scholarships, program funds, student and faculty awards and more.
On behalf of the Law Foundation, thank you so much for your involvement and investment.
Scott Aripoli, J.D. ’07 President, UMKC Law Foundation Board of Trustees
Marie Dispenza, J.D. ’05 Executive Director, UMKC Law Foundation
“As I began to think about how I would continue my public service after my final term as a councilperson for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, two things came to mind. The legal education I received at the UMKC School of Law helped me navigate the policy issues that I face each day and prepared me to craft legislation to benefit my constituents. Second, the impressive career of the Hon. Howard F. Sachs, whose dedication throughout his career to justice, fairness and public service exemplifies what we all strive to become in our own professional careers. I wanted to honor Judge Sachs, as well as provide the next generation of public servants the opportunity to pursue their own journey. I can think of no better way than with this scholarship.”
Councilwoman Andrea Bough (J.D. ’00)
“Our veteran community is full of unknowing leaders and advocates. The traits encompassing leadership skills, self-discipline and selflessness are honed throughout military service. Those same traits make our veterans ideal candidates well deserving of a scholarship to support a career in law. Christian Lee Honea, my son, was one such unknowing leader and advocate. My hope is that veterans like him will receive the financial support necessary to focus on their law school studies and earning the title necessary to advocate for others in their chosen legal profession. I chose the UMKC School of Law for this scholarship because this school and our Kansas City community have accepted me as part of their family, and I hope to contribute to this community through this scholarship and through my professional and volunteer services.”
Eric Honea (J.D. ’22)
“My dad was the youngest of eight children. He was the only one of his siblings to go to college, which he did after serving in the Navy. Then, working during the day to support our family, he put himself through the night school program at UMKC Law, graduating in 1967. For the next forty years, he was a trial lawyer, first with Missouri Department of Transportation and then in private practice. Not surprisingly, I too became a trial lawyer. For Melissa and me, creating the Milton Skeens Scholarship Endowed Fund is a perfect opportunity to honor my dad while supporting UMKC’s renowned advocacy program and future trial lawyers.”
David (J.D. ’88) and Melissa Skeens
You Can Leave a Legacy Estate Giving at the UMKC School of Law
An estate gift is one of the most meaningful ways to show your support to the UMKC School of Law. These gifts allow you to leave a legacy, make an impact and, if you choose, be recognized alongside your peers.
Common types of estate gifts
- Wills
- Living trusts
- Beneficiary designation (retirement funds, life insurance, etc.)
Choose your impact
- Scholarships
- Area of greatest need
- Community impact legal clinics and practical student training
How you’ll be appreciated
All estate gifts are honored with membership in the President Harry S. Truman Legacy Gift Society at the UMKC School of Law. These special donors receive a personalized, engraved brick in the Truman Terrace at the Law Building, as well as recognition on the School of Law website. Donors may decide to remain anonymous or decline any or all recognition.
Contact us
To notify us of an intended estate gift or to create your legacy now, contact:
Marie Dispenza (J.D. ’05) Executive Director, UMKC Law Foundation Phone: 816-235-6328 Email: dispenzam@umkcfoundation.org