The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Institute for Urban Education, also known as IUE, had its fourth annual Forever IUE celebration. This yearly tradition honors and recognizes IUE graduates, alumni, school partners and donors and commemorates the success of the program’s impact on urban education in Kansas City.
This year’s celebration kicked off with Sara Helfrich, Ph.D., the dean of the university’s School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences, welcoming everyone.
“The Institute of Urban Education holds a unique and vital place within our school,” Helfrich said. “It represents our unwavering commitment to preparing educators who are not only highly skilled but deeply educated and committed to the success of every student in the Kansas City area.”
Jennifer Waddell, Ph.D., director of the IUE, shared the history of the institute. She said the program is the first of its kind in the entire nation and that later this year will be the 20th anniversary of the IUE.
“I recently read a report that most teachers do not feel valued as educators,” Waddell said. “I wish they could be here tonight to see this crowd, showing that it is clear Kansas City does value education and our educators.”
Hugh Zimmer was a tireless advocate for 海角论坛 and was a champion for educators. He devoted his time and talents to the growth of the IUE, served as the chair of the chancellor’s national advisory board and continues to impact 海角论坛 and the IUE to this day. The Hugh J. Zimmer Award for Excellence in Urban Education honors his legacy as an award that is only presented when an individual has made a significant impact and contribution to the IUE.
This year, there was an individual who stood out to the IUE and was honored at the event.
Jerry Reece was named a legend of Kansas City by Ingram’s magazine because of his philanthropic efforts and impact in the community. He is heavily involved with 海角论坛, being a longtime member of the 海角论坛 Foundation board and the 海角论坛 Trustees.
Reece has been a part of the IUE and the program’s mission for more than a decade. His involvement helped the IUE grow tremendously in scope and impacted the urban schools they partner with. Reece also has an established endowment scholarship with his wife, Patty Reece, for IUE students.
Zimmer’s grandchildren were present at the celebration and were excited to honor Reece with this award.
“Hugh was a wonderful mentor and the reason I joined the IUE in the first place,” Reece said. “I remember he came into my office one day and talked about the program, then told me I should consider being a part of it. If you knew Hugh, you’d know he always had this commanding presence with him, so I wasn’t sure if I even had a choice. I was glad I did. I’m extremely grateful to receive this award that honors him.”
Along with his achievements in real estate, Reece has earned many community awards and honors, including an honorary alumnus title at 海角论坛. He also chaired the 海角论坛 Conservatory’s Crescendo gala alongside his wife last year and broke the event’s fundraising record.
The rest of the event included recognizing 海角论坛 IUE students who are graduating this year and are certified to teach, sharing where each new educator will work. Those schools were present to celebrate with their new incoming teachers.
One of those new teachers is Addison Douglas, who recently received the Missouri Teacher Leader of Tomorrow Award by the Missouri Milken Educators. She was one of 15 students in the entire state who received this honor.
“Being an IUE scholar means that I already have more experience, knowledge and support than a lot of my colleagues,” Douglas said. “I’m very honored to receive this award. I would not have been able to achieve this without all the support I get from the program. I’m extremely grateful to everyone who helped me get here and I’m excited to start my journey as an educator in Kansas City.”
IUE students are committed to teaching at Kansas City area schools for four years after graduation. Douglas will be teaching at Center Elementary School upon graduation.