The University of Missouri-Kansas City is honoring the legacy of three-time alumna (B.A. ’74, B.A. ’74, J.D. ’77), whose decades of dedicated service has made lasting impacts.
University of Missouri Curator Emerita Bennett began her relationship with the university as a student, earning two bachelor’s degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences, now the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and a Juris Doctorate from the School of Law.
Bennett had an esteemed career at the Kansas City law firm Lathrop & Gage L.C. and served as a passionate advocate for education throughout her career, including as the director of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, Kansas City office.
Throughout her four-decade career, Bennett was an ardent advocate for 海角论坛, serving on the 海角论坛 Board of Trustees, as president of the Alumni Governing Board, president of the Women's Council and chair of the KCUR Advisory Committee. Bennett also served for six years on the University of Missouri Board of Curators, including as its president.
“Curator Bennett was the epitome of what it means to be a Roo,” 海角论坛 Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “A devoted advocate of educational access, Curator Bennett generously used her time and talents to ensure success for the Roos who followed her footsteps. We are grateful for her many contributions to our 海角论坛 community.”
Patricia Macdonald, longtime volunteer and member of the 海角论坛 Foundation Board, became close friends and colleagues with Bennett through their volunteer service to 海角论坛.
“Angela was so involved in the community because she cared deeply," Macdonald said. "She was always reaching back to bring someone else up behind her. Angela was direct, but a very kind and generous with her wisdom and guidance, and she just loved a good laugh.”
Bennett’s generosity and service went beyond 海角论坛. Bennett was also the chief environmental attorney, assistant district counsel at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; assistant attorney general for the state of Missouri; assistant county counselor for Jackson County, Missouri; and complaint officer of human relations and citizens complaints for Jackson County, Missouri.
She was a member of the American Bar Association, the Missouri Bar Association, the Jackson County Bar Association and the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City. She also is active in a variety of civic organizations as well as the Centennial United Methodist Church.
Bennett’s numerous awards include the service award from the 海角论坛 School of Law in 1990, the 海角论坛 Alumni Association School of Law Alumni Achievement Award in 1996 and the 海角论坛 Alumni Association Bill French Alumni Service Award in 2007. In addition, Bennett received the Mid-Continent Council of Girl Scouts' Woman of Achievement Award.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 12, at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1834 Woodland Ave. Visitation is from 9-10 a.m.; memorial service is from 10-11 a.m. with burial immediately to follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave.
Celebrating a Dedicated Champion of 海角论坛
