The stories of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Class of 2025 reflect the ambition, growth and tenacity of our graduates.
These future doctors, lawyers, engineers and artists represent what it means to be a Roo. In honor of the May 17 Commencement ceremonies, we asked them to share their best memories, greatest lessons, proudest accomplishments and advice for future generations.
Taylor Rumsey, Juris Doctor
Summa Cum Laude
“The best part about the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law is the people. I have had the opportunity to learn from great professors, professionals and my classmates. I have always felt supported by the faculty, staff and career services team, and I am grateful for this support that I have received throughout my time at UMKC.“
Joel Campos, Bachelor of Business Administration
“My experience at UMKC has taught me to be adaptable in new situations so I can manage tough challenges.”
Jessica Jacobs, Master of Arts in Counseling
“A word of advice to incoming freshmen: Do not be afraid to make mistakes. You won't have it all figured out by now, but half the fun is exploring what makes you happy. Take risks!”
Nizar Khamis, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
“UMKC gave me the resources I need to get my foot out of the door for my career. Whether that was job interviews, serving on an executive board, resume review or developing my leadership skills.”
Nik Weske, Doctor of Dental Surgery
Cum Laude
“The dental school has so many fun traditions! The second years always host a float trip for the incoming students before orientation, and then at orientation there is a pancake breakfast where you have to catch the pancakes on your plate. Shortly after is the crawfish boil, then Royals game, luau, pictures with Santa, cookie crunch, multicultural luncheon, talent show, senior skip day, senior video and Mandiball. There is always something to look forward to, and it's made the past four years fly by!”
Edward Estepan, Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
“What I like about UMKC is being around people I respect, who share a similar drive for success.”
Anna Nguyen, Doctor of Pharmacy
“If I could offer one piece of advice to incoming freshmen or anyone beginning a new chapter in life, it would be this: stay focused and keep your goals close to heart. Your academic journey is more than just a path to a degree. It’s a time of deep personal growth and self-discovery. You won't just evolve as a student but as a person! Embrace the challenges, stay intentional and trust that these years will shape you in ways that reach far beyond the classroom.”
Christopher Rizo, Bachelor of Business Administration
“I’ve learned the value of connections. It all comes down to who you know. Also, I’ve learned the importance of professionalism.”
Ashley Segnibo, Juris Doctor
“UMKC Law is unlike any other law school. Relocating from Brooklyn, New York to Kansas City, Missouri to attend a school I had never visited speaks volumes. This law community is built on academic support, emotional encouragement and a commitment to legal excellence. It’s here that I found true belonging, lifelong friends and invaluable professional connections. I am most proud of the work I did at the Family and Child Services Clinic working with indigent clients on divorces, guardianships and paternity cases, as well as representing parents at protective custody hearings. I also graduate UMKC Law as a published author in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Journal.”
Devin Dinh, Bachelor of Business Administration
“UMKC is underrated. I think there’s a good balance. If you want to get involved, there’s lots of student organizations, but if you want to just focus on your studies, you can do that too.”
Sarai Vasquez, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
“I am most proud of taking advantage of the internship opportunities introduced to me at UMKC. My current internship opportunity has allowed me to obtain a career after graduation.”
Aframe Redi, Bachelor of Business Administration
“My favorite memory at UMKC is winning first place at the eScholars Demo Day for my company, NextGen. It wasn’t just about me celebrating the victory of my business; I was celebrating the power of my community and everyone supporting me at UMKC and beyond.”
Hunter Miesner, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Communication
"When it comes to professional development, no one does it better than UMKC. In just four years, I gained as much insight into my career path and interests as most people hope to achieve in the years after graduation. Thanks to UMKC, I'm not just prepared for the future. I'm a step ahead, equipped with the skills, connections and experiences necessary to thrive."
Amanuel Bekele, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science “I like the campus when it’s full. I usually walk a lot because I park far away. I like the trees in the fall when they’re orange. I think it helps that the campus is small. It feels cozy and more like a community.”
Brooke McCanles, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
University Honors
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the diverse range of opportunities I’ve experienced throughout my college journey. From internships in Washington, D.C., to studying abroad in Prague, and engaging in student groups and organizations, I’ve learned the value of saying, “Yes,” as new doors opened for me. The lessons I’ve learned and the memories I’ve made over the past few years will stay with me as I move forward in my career and life, and I’m deeply thankful for every moment.”
Josephine Sebunyenzi, Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
"The greatest lesson I've learned at UMKC is the value of communsity. During my first few weeks, I strongly considered transferring and moving back home. But everything changed when I got involved on campus: applying for leadership roles, getting a job and connecting with others. I eventually found my community through the Multicultural Student Affairs Office. If it weren’t for the MSA and the incredible people I met there, I don’t think I would have stayed at UMKC. Thanks to that supportive community, I was able to grow, build connections and find a true home away from home."
Gabriel Calderon, Doctor of Medicine
“I have found my forever home with internal medicine.”
Ethan Kauffman, Bachelor of Music Education
“My favorite part of being a student at UMKC was making a found family who I was able to share my time with. I immediately hit it off with my roommates, who swiftly introduced me to other incredible people. It was hard to find a stranger who wouldn't quickly become a friend, and I am thankful for the friendships I have made. From the dorm room, to the Conservatory, to the dining hall, I've loved meeting and having fun with so many fantastic human beings!”
Suman Manek, Doctor of Medicine
“The past six years have been filled with unforgettable memories! Some of my favorites include crossing off new restaurants with my friends to celebrate surviving exams, cheering on the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win at Power and Light and sharing laughs with my unit on Friday clinic and DoRo. Each of these made the journey that much more special!”
Gloria Pelico, Bachelor of Health Sciences
“There are several things that make UMKC standout such as the professors, the resources, the diversity and location. UMKC is close to the Country Club Plaza, which has several spots to hang out with friends after classes. I also had the opportunity to meet some of the best professors who showed their passion for teaching and students' success.”
Amina Shaw, Bachelor of Arts in Communications
“My favorite part about being a student at UMKC is the number of opportunities that I was able to take advantage of. UMKC has great partnerships in Kansas City and around the world. I feel blessed to have been able to take advantage of those relationships. My favorite UMKC memory was traveling to South America with several other UMKC students and staff I had never met and creating memories in another country.”
Gavan Shinger, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
“My favorite memory is completing my last clinical rotation. Everything I had worked so hard for was coming together, and I truly felt like a nurse.”
Kyra Afolabi, Bachelor of Art in Communication
“If I could pass any lesson to incoming freshmen at UMKC, it would be to embrace the discomfort that you may feel starting a new chapter in life. There are a lot of communities within UMKC that are ready and eager to connect and pour into you! Showing up in the space is the first step to building the life you want!”
Mark Allred, Doctor of Pharmacy
“My favorite thing during my time at UMKC was the opportunity to make lasting relationships with my classmates. I’ve developed great friendships as a student at UMKC and will miss seeing them on a daily basis.”
Mackenzie Kortz, Doctor of Dental Surgery
“My favorite thing about being a student at UMKC is having the opportunity to meet some of the most incredible people. The group of friends I have made through this four-year dental program has seen each other through major life events like getting married, having babies and everything in between. I’m so thankful to UMKC for bringing us all together!”
