The University of Missouri- Kansas City’s Trustees’ Scholars Program is one of the university’s most prestigious opportunities for first-time college students, offering not only a full scholarship, but also a powerful network of support. Backed by a partnership between the university and the º£½ÇÂÛ̳ Trustees, the program connects high-achieving students with influential mentors, professional guidance and unique leadership opportunities.
stand out not just for their academic excellence, but also for their initiative and impact on campus, often founding student organizations, leading peers and shaping the university community. With a strong foundation and access to invaluable resources, such as a study abroad fund, access to the Trustees’ connections, structured community service and housing stipends, these scholars are well-prepared to thrive in their fields and make lasting contributions beyond graduation.
“Throughout the years, students always say the Trustees are the best part of the program,” said º£½ÇÂÛ̳ Chancellor Mauli Agrawal at the reception. “You will now have access to people the average person has no access to, even I have trouble reaching out to them, but you get to say they are your mentors.”
This year’s scholars are seven outstanding students who were selected from more than 150 applicants.
Isabel Ball
Ball is from Kansas City and is studying music education. Ball wants to be a middle school band director or an elementary school teacher. Her Trustee mentor is Pat Macdonald (BLA), director of strategic ventures and operations at the Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality.
Alexis Hiebert
Hiebert is from Kansas City and is studying nursing and health sciences with a minor in Spanish. Hiebert hopes to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist and to study abroad during college. Her Trustee mentor is Jennie Clarke (J.D. ’88), retired executive at American Century Investments.
Aiden Levendofsky
Levendofsky is from Manhattan, Kansas, and is studying music composition and piano performance. Levendofsky started playing at age 4 and is pursuing music because it is how he expresses himself. Levendofsky is interested in the intersection of class, culture and political science and hopes to compose music that encourages empathy. His Trustee mentor is Marylou Turner (M.A. ’65, Ed.S. ’79) of the Women’s Committee of the Conservatory.
Kennedy Lucas
Lucas is from Columbia, Missouri. She is majoring in health sciences and is extremely excited to be a part of her cohort. Lucas never thought she would be financially supported throughout college along with the other perks of the program. She believes her greatest asset is her determination. Lucas’ Trustee mentor is Suzanne Shank (J.D./MPA ’82), retired executive at General Electric.
Gavin Paruch
Paruch is from St. Louis, Missouri and is studying biology and hopes to go to medical school. He has lived in four different states, and is looking forward to his college career at º£½ÇÂÛ̳. His Trustee mentor is Sean Doran (B.A. ’09), D.O.
Anika Patton
Patton is from Tulsa, Oklahoma and is majoring in biomedical engineering with the hope of going to dental school to become an orthodontist or oral surgeon. Patton is a soccer player and will continue to play on the º£½ÇÂÛ̳ women’s soccer team during college. She is grateful to have the opportunity to continue playing soccer while being a part of the Trustees’ Scholars Program. Her Trustee mentor is Reachel Beichley, former general counsel at MRI Global.
Adam Wang
Wang is from Overland Park and is studying chemistry. He wants to pursue dentistry after college. Wang has deep ties to the university. His mother is a º£½ÇÂÛ̳ alumna, graduating from the previous six-year dental program, and his grandfather was a physics researcher at º£½ÇÂÛ̳. His Trustee mentor is Joseph Spalitto (B.S. ’68, DDS ’72), D.D.S.