April 6, 2021
Contact: Sara Diedrich, 573-882-3243, diedrichs@missouri.edu
WHAT:
Each year, five outstanding teachers at the University of Missouri are selected as Kemper fellows – a peer-nominated award that includes a $15,000 stipend. University administrators and Steve Sowers, president and CEO of the central region of Commerce Bank, are surprising honorees this week.
The William T. Kemper Fellowships for Teaching Excellence were established in 1991 with a $500,000 gift. Kemper, a 1926 MU graduate, was a well-known civic leader in Kansas City until his death in 1989. His 52-year career in banking included top positions at banks in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Commerce Bank manages the trust fund.
WHEN & WHERE:
Wednesday, April 7
First Kemper Award recipient
When: noon-12:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual surprise during a scheduled meeting on Zoom.
NOTE TO MEDIA: If reporters wish to join the Zoom announcement at noon, they must email their name and media affiliation to DiedrichS@missouri.edu by 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 7. A link to the Zoom announcement will be sent to reporters shortly before the presentation.
Second Kemper Award recipient
When: 3-3:30 p.m.
Where: In-Person. Media can meet in the rotunda of Jesse Hall at 2:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 8
Third Kemper Award recipient
When: 3-3:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual surprise during a scheduled meeting on Zoom.
NOTE TO MEDIA: If reporters wish to join the Zoom announcement at 3 p.m., they must email their name and media affiliation to DiedrichS@missouri.edu by 10 a.m. Thursday, April 8. A link to the Zoom announcement will be sent to reporters shortly before the presentation.
Friday, April 9
Fourth Kemper Award recipient
When: 10-10:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual surprise during a scheduled meeting on Zoom.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Currently, media will not be able to cover the announcement at 10 a.m. because of logistical issues. The MU News Bureau will release details of the announcement as soon as the recipient is notified.
Fifth Kemper Award recipient
When: 11:30 a.m.-noon
Where: Virtual surprise during a scheduled meeting on Zoom.
NOTE TO MEDIA: If reporters wish to join the Zoom announcement at 11:30 a.m., they must email their name and media affiliation to DiedrichS@missouri.edu by 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 9. A link to the Zoom announcement will be sent to reporters shortly before the presentation.
