Fifteen UMKC students have been named Dean of Students Honor Recipients in recognition of their accomplishments on campus and in the community.
Every semester, exceptional graduating students are honored with this designation. These students maintain excellent academic standards while actively participating in university activities and community service outside of the classroom.
The Fall 2023 honorees’ accomplishments include helping international students settle into the university life, volunteering with the families of homicide victims, organizing a conference celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, working on the Lucerna research journal, volunteering with Operation Breakthrough and more.
“These students embody what it means to be a Roo with their dedication to academics, service and community," said Michele D. Smith, Ph.D., vice provost for student affairs and dean of students. “I am thrilled to recognize them for their many accomplishments and look forward to the bright futures ahead of them.”
Students shared reflections on their time at UMKC at a special breakfast celebration in their honor. Some excerpts:
Emma Sauer: “As a transfer student, I’ve only spent two years at UMKC, but my experience has shaped who I am. My time here has exposed me to all kinds of people, ideas and perspectives I would never have found anywhere else and really inspired me to take a more active role in my local community.”
Matthew Grimaldi: “My time at UMKC has been truly memorable, and as a Kansas City native, the best part has been experiencing the school’s connection with the surrounding community. During my time here, I’ve been able to intern with a federal judge, work with underserved clients and meet with prospective students. UMKC is more than just a place of higher education, it is a community institution.”
Paige Lyell: “UMKC has given me the gift of a lifetime – not only has the university provided me with an amazing education, but it also gave me some of the best years of my life. I feel honored to forever be a part of such an inclusive and compassionate group of people. I leave here with a stronger sense of community, respect and integrity.”
Congratulations to the Fall 2023 Dean of Students Honor Recipients!
- Scott Cameron, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Paige Eickhoff, School of Medicine
- Alejandra Frias-Fraire, School of Science and Engineering
- Matthew Grimaldi, School of Law
- Natasha Hillard, School of Nursing and Health Studies
- Mufrad Islam, School of Science and Engineering
- Mustavi Islam, School of Science and Engineering
- Marco Loaiza, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Paige Lyell, School of Medicine
- Marisa McKay, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Elliot Mejia, Bloch School of Management
- Jonah Petitjean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Emma Sauer, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Olga Shupyatskaya , School of Law
- Ben Wilson, Bloch School of Management