BLOCH Henry W. HenryBlochW. School of Business and PublicAdministration I UNIVERSITY OF MISSO U RI-KANSAS CITY 2007 From students with dreams to community leaders, Bloch students are SHAPING THE FUTURE FROM THE DEANFROM Produced by UMKC Creative Services Managing Editor: Victoria Prater Writer: Sarah Mote Photography: Mark McDonald, Kristen Hellstrom Bloch magazine is published annually by the University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration’s Office of External Relations to encourage interest and support among our alumni, partners The University of Missouri-Kansas City and friends. BLOCHHenry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration www.bloch.umkc.edu Dean: O. Homer Erekson 2007 816-235-2204 | [email protected] In this Issue Associate Dean: Lanny Solomon 816-235-2304 | [email protected] Message from the Dean Associate Dean: Karyl Leggio Shaping the Future 816-235-2896 | [email protected] Cover Story Associate Dean: Kami Thomas 2 Amazing Alumni: From students with hopes and goals to role models in 816-235-2214 | [email protected] their communities Student Services 816-235-2215 | [email protected] Entrepreneurship SHAPE THE FUTURE 6 Business + Technology + Education = Enterprise Development Laboratory Department of Accountancy, Chair: David Donnelly 816-235-2218 | [email protected] 8 Minding Business: PhD program launch At the Bloch School, we live by the creed that innovation is essential. We are constantly 9 From K.C. to U.S.: SourceLink model spreads Department of Finance, Information Management and looking for ways to improve our programs, link to the Kansas City region in creative ways 9 It’s in the Bag: Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2007 Strategy, Chair: Marilyn Taylor 816-235-6506 | [email protected] and recruit high-caliber faculty, staff and students. The dynamic global market for which we are preparing our students demands that we embrace innovation. In an oft-cited remark, Executive MBA Department of Organizational Leadership and 10 A Class Act: Executive MBA students rally to aid TAKE Foundation Marketing, Chair: TBD Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO of General Electric, said “When the rate of change 12 UMB Financial Corporation: Executive MBA sponsor/student spotlight inside an institution becomes slower than the rate of change outside, the end is in sight. 13 Talking Shop: Q&A with Karyl Leggio, PhD Department of Public Affairs, Chair: Robyne Turner 816-235-2894 | [email protected] The only question is when.” Undergraduate Education Director of Development: Danny Baker 14 Savvier Sooner: Bloch’s new undergraduate curriculum 816-235-2316 | [email protected] At the Bloch School, we are never still. We are always looking for new ways to shape the 16 The BlochCast Podcast Connection Director of Communications: Victoria Prater future. Each story in this issue highlights examples of the current impact of the Bloch 17 Students by Day: Undergraduate life outside the classroom 816-235-5295 | [email protected] School and some of our plans for the future: former Bloch students who are now successful Leadership Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations: alumni making their mark; current Bloch students who are finding inspiration as they prepare 18 The Boardroom Awaits: Profiting from nonprofit involvement Kathryn Houston to make their mark; students yet to come and how Bloch is preparing today to educate 816-235-6211 | [email protected] 20 Funkhouser Wins: UMKC alumnus takes office tomorrow’s business and community leaders; and community connection – building and 20 Peace Corps Volunteers MPA Program developing symbiotic relationships with the community. All are pieces of a big picture, and 21 Public Affairs Student Association connects students, community that is the success of our school, our students and our city. Financial Services UMKC Mission, Values and Goals 22 Thought Leaders, Business Builders: Chamber Economic Advisory Board Mission I hope you enjoy learning more about the Bloch School and discover innovative ways that 22 Global Perspectives: Bloch students bank on China experience Lead in the Life and Health Sciences we can work together. I hope to hear from you personally and welcome your ideas. 23 Information in Context: State Street News Center Deepen and Expand Strength in the Visual and Performing Arts Develop a Professional Workforce; Collaborate in Urban Alumni and Constituent Relations Issues and Education Warmest regards, Create a Vibrant Learning and Campus Life Experience 24 Letter from Your Alumni Association President 24 Bloch Alumni Association Board Members Values 25 Bloch Launches Bloch Leadership Associates Education First 25 Regina Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Discovery and Innovation Integrity and Accountability O. Homer Erekson 26 Class Notes and Alumni Spotlight Diversity, Inclusiveness and Respect 28 Donor Honor Roll Energized Collaborative Communities Around the Bloch Goals We attract, nurture and develop responsible community leaders. 32 New Bloch Staff We are a leader in scholarship and creative activity. 32 Faculty Contributions We are an essential community partner and resource. We are a workplace of choice. We have the resources to achieve our strategic goals. BPA6121547 Bloch Magazine 2007 3 Amazing ALUMNI STEVE BERNSTEIN THE BLOCH FAMILY MELANIE TUCKER DICK GIBSON CHARLENE MEEKER was Bernstein’s destiny. “We were to the future of Kansas City. support to the Leon E. Bloch Law of gratitude to our parents and to STEVE BERNSTEIN: never told, ‘You’ll be in the family “Everything is spurred by ideas,” Library, the Bloch School, the Institute our community.” business,’” he says of himself, brother he adds. “It’s important that Kansas of Urban Education at the School of Tom is forging his legacy through They were once Bloch HEADING FOR HOME Steve Bernstein, senior vice president David and sister Susan. “But we’re City is a place that can foster, nourish Education and the UMKC Trustees. education. In 1995, he resigned his students with hopes, and chief operating officer of Bernstein- such a close family that it became and actually feed great ideas, culture “Kansas City cannot be a great position as president and CEO of natural for each one of us.” and business.” Bernstein may still city without a great urban university,” H&R Block to teach, first at St. goals and plans to Rein Advertising, has been awarded the Alumni Spotlight Award for bringing Bernstein’s interests in law and have things to do before he slides adds Bloch. Francis Xavier School and currently improve themselves, the creativity and opportunity to UMKC and business led him to choose the Law into home, but it’s a safe bet he’ll take All told, the Bloch family has put at University Academy, a charter Kansas City’s communities. and Bloch schools at UMKC, where Kansas City with him as he rounds in more than 100 years of service school sponsored by UMKC that organizations and the he earned his JD and MBA in 1991. the bases. and millions of dollars to help Kansas he co-founded in 2000. He serves communities they serve. “We aren’t the guys who were born He joined the family business in 1992. City thrive. And for that reason, with his sister Liz’s husband, Paul on second base and believe they hit However, Bernstein sees more in they were awarded the 2006 Legacy Uhlmann, on the UMKC Board of Today, they are movers, a double,” Bernstein is fond of saying his choice than fulfilling a prophecy. THE BLOCH FAMILY: Award from UMKC. The award Trustees. “There’s that saying,” says shakers and role models. about growing up in the shadow of He sees advertising as his legacy. KANSAS CITY’S LEGACY recognizes families who have a record Tom, “that you should leave your the largest ad agency in Kansas City “We’re fortunate to be in a business The Bloch family was recently honored of outstanding service to the University campsite better than you found it. The alumni featured in and the 36th-largest full-service ad that produces the exact things with the UMKC Alumni Legacy award and the community. That’s the kind of philosophy my this story are just a few agency in the country. Bernstein-Rein not-for-profits need—marketing for the lasting impact they have left on The legacy started with Leon parents reinforced.” Advertising was co-founded by his advice and direction,” he says. “As a Kansas City and the world. Bloch Sr., who was a 1902 graduate In honor of their mother, the examples of the great father, Bob Bernstein, in 1964. company, we try to give feedback to of the University of Kansas City Law Bloch children recently dedicated the community that has been so great School. He and his wife Hortense the Marion Helzberg Bloch Park and leaders Bloch is proud to “We know we were born on second From the new H&R Block base, and we’re thankful for the to us. We want to do our parts as an headquarters downtown to the new instilled in their three sons, Leon Jr., Terrace, a landscaped garden and call our own and prime opportunities we have, but we realize agency and a family to help Kansas Bloch building at the Nelson-Atkins Henry and Richard, a commitment meeting place for students, faculty City be the best it can possibly be.” to community. and staff on the south lawn of the examples of individuals there are still two more bases to clear Museum of Art, the Bloch family has before we score.” Bernstein literally Bernstein has offered his talents, left a lasting legacy in Kansas City. Henry and his wife Marion have Bloch School. who have shaped the grew up in advertising, playing with free of charge, to UMKC and the “My family has always cared a carried that sentiment to their own “Giving back is such an important community countless times, including family, encouraging their four children, part of life,” says Tom.