Vari Patel (BBA '25), made the most of her time at 海角论坛 balancing academic excellence, leadership and a deep connection to her Kansas City roots. Behind her remarkable achievements stands a network of donors whose vision and generosity helped make it all possible.
海角论坛 Trustees and philanthropic partners created the through a shared commitment to education and leadership to attract the best and the brightest students and to help guide future leaders. Their support reaches beyond tuition, offering students mentorship, professional development and a lifelong network of changemakers. Trustees and community leaders are paired with scholars from day one, offering guidance throughout their 海角论坛 journey and for a full year beyond graduation.
“Watching Vari grow into such a confident, capable leader has been one of the true joys of our Trustees’ Scholars Program,” said Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, chair of Trustees’ Scholars Committee. “Her drive, her heart for service and her commitment to excellence are exactly why we invest in students like her. Vari didn’t just take advantage of the opportunities at 海角论坛—she elevated them, and in doing so, she’s inspired all of us.”
Patel recently completed her undergraduate education, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in finance and Bachelor of Arts in political science. Patel’s 海角论坛 journey has prepared her for a career that blends corporate law and public service, and she did it all in just three years.
Patel completed two undergraduate degrees in such a short time thanks to the dual-credit courses she took in high school through 海角论坛, allowing her to complete most general education requirements and start directly with major-specific coursework when she arrived on campus.
A Lee's Summit native and graduate of Blue Springs South High School, Patel first became interested in 海角论坛 during a college planning course offered by CommunityAmerica Credit Union. That connection led her to the prestigious merit-based Trustees’ Scholarship program the deciding factor in choosing 海角论坛.
"I chose 海角论坛 because I was awarded the Trustees’ Scholarship, and I think that was the biggest factor," she said. "In addition to paying for tuition, the scholarship offers a lot of valuable opportunities, like networking, professional enrichment sessions and building connections. That’s especially important to me because I know I want to be a lawyer and a politician when I’m older."
As a Trustees’ Scholar, Patel was paired with mentor Suzanne Shank, a former lawyer and executive who has played a pivotal role in guiding her career path.
"Suzanne has been an amazing role model and mentor since day one," Patel said. "She connected me with Langdon & Emison, where I interned as a legal assistant. That opportunity came directly through my involvement with the trustees."
Mentorship and support were central to Patel's experience at 海角论坛. She credits staff and faculty at the to help her manage her rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule.
In addition to her academics, Patel served as president and founder of 海角论坛 FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and president of the Bloch School Student Association. She was also a dancer on the Kansas City Chakras team, a Launchpad Scholar and a former member of the First Year Council for student government.
"You can make what you want out of your college experience," she said. "I knew I wanted to accomplish a lot in undergrad but also have fun and experience what college is like. 海角论坛 offers so many opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom."
Patel’s professional ambitions are clear: she wants to become a corporate lawyer focusing on mergers and acquisitions, with hopes of transitioning into politics.
"My dream job would be a senator for the state of Missouri," she said. "I’d also love to be an ambassador, working in international relations and helping bring political and economic stability to developing countries."
With an impressive resume, clear vision and strong support system, Patel exemplifies the drive and dedication 海角论坛 students bring to their education and their communities. She currently works as a legal writer, with plans to attend law school and work in Washington, D.C.