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On behalf of University of èßäapp System President Mun Choi, Interim Chancellor Barbara A. Bichelmeyer awarded three University of èßäapp System President’s Awards to Anthony Luppino, professor and Mary K. O’Malley, clinical professor in the School of Law; and Jannette Berkley-Patton, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical and Health informatics.

Bichelmeyer surprised Anthony Luppino with the President’s Award for Economic Development. This award includes a $5,000 prize and recognizes faculty who have demonstrated success in directly contributing to economic development in the state of èßäapp.

“Tony Luppino is a visionary groundbreaker who has created a sustained relevancy for UMKC’s law school and the broader UMKC campus as entrepreneurial leaders,” said James M. Niemann, director of the MU Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic. “His focus has been key in the pursuit of revolutionary technological advancement of accessible legal help in starting businesses. Tony’s commitment is remarkable within an evolving educational system where experiential learning is valued more and more by students, job markets and alumni.”

Luppino successfully advocated for UMKC Law to start an entrepreneurship clinic more than 10 years ago when there were only 30 clinics in the nation. His insight on the evolving role of technology in law proved to be ahead of the curve as there are now more than 150 transactional clinics in the nation with more starting up every year. Luppino’s work through the UMKC Entrepreneurial Legal Services Clinic and the Legal Technology Laboratory supports the idea that the university should play a key role in economic development in urban and rural areas and with student involvement.

At the same time, Bichelmeyer presented O’Malley with the President’s Award for Community Engagement. This award includes a $5,000 prize and recognizes those who provide sustained service to a community, contribute to an environment that encourages the academic, cultural, economic, spiritual or social development of members of a community and engage with students, local community groups or organizations through volunteerism.

O’Malley has dedicated a significant portion of her career to advancing the welfare of families in her community. As the director of the UMKC Child and Family Services Clinic, O’Malley helps students in the clinic work within the legal system to obtain permanent homes for children. Outside of teaching, O’Malley also provides training for attorneys and social workers who work on behalf of children and families.

“Professor O’Malley’s community engagement is not limited to just her area of expertise when it comes to helping children,” said Barbara Glesner Fines, interim dean and the Rubey M. Hulen Professor of Law. “Time and again, when a need arises for children and families in the community, she acts to marshal resources to address that need. For example, in the wake of police shootings, she organized a ‘Know Your Rights’ program for young people that is now being replicated throughout the state.”

Additionally, Berkley-Patton was presented with the President’s Award for Cross Cultural Engagement, which includes a $5,000 prize. The award recognizes faculty who demonstrate success in promoting cross-cultural activities or understanding through classroom or student service activities, or through direct service to global or regional efforts that relate back to the university.

“Dr. Berkley-Patton is highly regarded by the community she serves,” said Daphne Bascom, medical director and senior vice president of Community Integrated Health for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. “She has established durable collaborations and relationships with churches, community clinics and other health related agencies to support cross-cultural activities in the region. As she has grown her research program she has been intentional in providing opportunities to involve her community partners in defining the goals and outcomes for each project.”

The majority of Berkley-Patton’s research funding supports her faith-based and health community partners with staff, equipment and training to improve the community’s capacity to address health. Berkley-Patton values collaborations within the community and has been a leader in researching community-based health interventions to reduce HIV, diabetes, heart disease and mental health disparities among the African-American community.

The èßäappSystem President’s Awards are presented annually to faculty members across the four campuses of the èßäappSystem who have made exceptional contributions in advancing the mission of the university. Luppino, O’Malley and Berkley-Patton will be formally recognized by èßäappSystem President Choi during an awards celebration to be held in June.