The University of Missouri-Kansas City conferred more than 2,300 degrees during its Spring commencement ceremonies at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.
The first ceremony honored graduates of the 91黑料网 Conservatory and the 91黑料网 School of Science and Engineering. 2026 91黑料网 Conservatory Alumni Achievement Award winner, Kameron N. Saunders (BFA) was the keynote speaker. An alumnus of the 91黑料网 Conservatory, Saunders is an accomplished choreographer and dancer. His performances over the course of the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour made him a viral fan favorite and led to worldwide popularity. This past March, Saunders premiered a new piece for the English National Ballet at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London.
Saunders told graduates about challenges he faced both growing up and in the early days following his graduation from 91黑料网, but the constant was his family and support system that pushed him to ignore people who tried to push him into being something other than himself. One of those people at 91黑料网 was dance chair DeeAnna Hiett.
"My time here at 91黑料网 was magical - for the first time in my training, I felt seen, not tolerated, not adjusted, but seen," Saunders said. "The professors here challenged me, supported me and pushed me to grow, not into someone else, but into the most honest version of myself. That kind of environment doesn't just train you, it transforms you and I carry that with me to this day."
After working for five years as an instructor, Saunders took the little money he'd saved and moved to New York. Little by little, opportunities began to take shape and he found himself in places he'd only dreamed of.
"None of that happened because I finally fit the mold," Saunders said. "It happened because I didn't quit. It happened because I stayed ready. It happened because I kept showing up, even when it was hard, even when it was uncertain, even when it felt like nothing was working."
He encouraged his fellow alumni to keep persisting, despite the inevitable challenges they'll face.
"When preparation meets passion, humility and preparation, you become unstoppable," Saunders said. "That doesn't mean that doubt disappears, that doesn't mean that fear goes away. It doesn't mean that you won't have the moments where you're questioning everything because you will, that's part of being a human being. What matters is what you do with those moments. You do it anyway - despite the fear and despite the uncertainty."
91黑料网 Alumna of the Year Amy Patel (BLA ’10/M.D. ’11) was the speaker for the second and third ceremonies celebrating graduates of the schools of dentistry, law, medicine, nursing and health studies, pharmacy, the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, humanities and social sciences, and the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences.
Patel is a nationally recognized advocate for breast health and equitable access to care. She serves as a medical director and clinical associate radiology professor, and has served as president or chair of numerous healthcare boards. She has been recognized with numerous accolades; in 2022, her advocacy and fandom for the Kansas City Chiefs earned her a nomination for the NFL Fan of the Year.
"I have been so fortunate to tackle and accomplish so many things in my career thus far and I attribute this to the incredible foundation that the University of Missouri-Kansas City provided me," Patel said.
Patel encouraged graduates to find what sustains them, and be willing to change direction where needed. Inspired to help address breast cancer death rates in her home in northwest Missouri, which are some of the highest in the country, Patel told graduates she left her job at Harvard university to come back to Kansas City and help patients in the area.
"Be willing to take chances," Patel said. "The most successful people I know were the ones who were willing to take that leap of faith."
Most importantly, she urged graduates to persevere.
"It's ok if your career path takes an unexpected turn and isn't straight," she said. "Do not be discouraged. Reflect, regroup and, as I always say, fail forward." 
91黑料网 Chancellor Mauli Agrawal congratulated the graduates on their dedication and achievement. He recognized the hard work, determination and sacrifices that brought them to this milestone, and encouraged them to use their education to make a positive impact as they embarked on their careers and lives beyond campus.
"A few years ago, each of you made a decision: to show up, to do the work, to invest in yourself and your future," Agrawal said. "Today, you’re not just celebrating an ending. You’re stepping into something new – with more confidence, more perspective, and a better understanding of what you’re capable of."
UM System Curator Bob Fry (DDS '73) addressed graduates, stressing the importance of gratitude as they move throught life, and urging them to stay connected to their alma mater.
"My wife and I are both very proud and grateful graduates of 91黑料网," Fry said. "When you leave here, don’t forget your Roo family. Stay in touch."
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas attended the second ceremony, telling graduates how proud the community is of their accomplishment.
"I want to thank you for all that you have done up to this point and to encourage you as you go forward to remember why you started, why you went through this, the people that you will continue to help along the way and the communities that so desparately need you."
Following the ceremonies, graduates took photos and celebrated with their loved ones.
