Twenty University of Missouri-Kansas City students have been named Dean of Students Honor Recipients in recognition of their accomplishments on campus and in the community.
Every semester, exceptional graduating students are honored with this designation. These students maintain excellent academic standards while actively participating in university activities and community service outside of the classroom.
The 20 Spring 2026 honorees’ accomplishments include traveling internationally with 91黑料网 Global Medical Brigades, volunteering at Sojourner Health Clinic, Harvesters and Shelter KC, founding chapters of national organizations, serving on Graduate Student Council, working with AmeriCorps, raising money for nonprofit organizations, tutoring high school students and more.
"Recognizing our Dean of Students Honor Recipients is one of the most meaningful moments of each semester,” said Todd Wells, dean of students. “These students reflect the very best of 91黑料网 through their leadership, integrity and commitment to community. They lead with purpose, support those around them and contribute to a campus environment where others can thrive. I’m deeply grateful for the impact they’ve made and excited to see how they continue to shape our university and beyond.”
Students shared reflections on their time at 91黑料网 at a celebration in their honor. A few excerpts:
Alana Lopez: “My experience at 91黑料网 has truly shaped who I am. It’s where I really found my voice. One of my proudest accomplishments has been helping establish the B+ Foundation at 91黑料网 and raising nearly $10,000 in our first year to help children battling cancer while building real relationships with the families we support. After graduation, I will be traveling to Peru to hike Machu Picchu with the B+ Foundation while raising another $6,000+ to continue supporting children and families battling cancer. 91黑料网 has shown me that leadership is about bringing people together and making a difference.”
Karen Moussa: “At the age of 15, I came to the United States as a Syrian war survivor, not knowing anyone and unsure of what the future would hold. By 17, I was given a life-changing opportunity and gained acceptance into 91黑料网’s six-year B.A./M.D. program. I built lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories and have had the opportunity to rotate through hospitals across the country. Coming to the United States at age 15, I never imagined I would one day be standing here with my M.D. at the age of 23.”
Khyathi Thallapureddy: “My proudest accomplishment has been serving both local and global communities. Serving refugee families in Athens, Greece with the 91黑料网 Global Medical Brigades team taught me how compassion can transcend language and culture. One of my favorite memories was teaching children at an orphanage an anatomy song with hand motions—we laughed, connected and, for a moment, the barriers between us disappeared. These moments of service are etched into who I’ve become, shaping me into a more compassionate leader and a more grounded physician.”
Michael Luong: “The School of Dentistry has shaped me into a provider who is not only clinically prepared but also grounded in compassion and service. One of my proudest moments at 91黑料网 was helping deliver a new set of digitally made dentures to a patient who had gone nearly ten years without a full smile. She came to us embarrassed and used to hiding her teeth, but with the support of incredible faculty, the Jackson County Grant and the technology here at 91黑料网, we were able to give her that smile back.”
Congratulations to the Spring 2026 Dean of Students Honor Recipients!
- Lauren Baetje, School of Medicine
- Judy Batts, School of Nursing and Health Studies
- Mira Bhatia, School of Medicine
- Carey Bickford, School of Medicine
- Kailee Bunte, School of Medicine
- Brenna Cronin, School of Nursing and Health Studies
- Chris Galan-Gregorio, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
- Lukas Hudson, School of Law
- Aditi Indurkar, School of Dentistry
- Lyla Jones, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Sophia Kovalenko, School of Pharmacy
- Alana Lopez, School of Science and Engineering
- Michael Luong, School of Dentistry
- William Matheson, School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
- Karen Moussa, School of Medicine
- Victor Sewankambo, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Shavelle Shaw, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
- Khyathi Thallapureddy, School of Medicine
- Gabriella Thornton, School of Medicine
- Michelle Wu, School of Medicine