Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU) will receive $1 million from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation toward a $7.5 million capital fundraising goal to build a center for medical education innovation — a major focus of the school’s $16 million “Leading the Way” campaign. KCU raised more than $6.5 million in order to obtain the Mabee challenge grant.
The 41,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility represents the next generation in medical simulation and will provide osteopathic medical students with the latest educational technology, including virtual reality, haptic technology and other simulated clinical experiences. The center will also offer opportunities for nursing and behavioral health students to train in an interprofessional education environment, essential for the growing trend toward team-based care. The university looks to break ground on the center this academic year.
“This new facility will provide the physicians of tomorrow with leading-edge technology and the most advanced training available,” said Marc B. Hahn, DO, president and CEO of KCU. “The center will help take patient care to a new level, furthering our mission of ‘improving the well-being of the communities we serve.’”
KCU is grateful for the generosity of all the donors who have helped KCU meet the Mabee Challenge. Major donors include: Kenneth Mitchem, DO; The Sunderland Foundation; William T. Kemper Foundation; JE Dunn Construction Company; Brad Vince, DO; Victor E. Speas Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Paul Dybedal; Riverside Health Foundation, and Jack and Glenna Wylie Charitable Foundation. KCU also recognizes contributions from 80 percent of its faculty and staff who donated to the campaign.
“We thank the Mabee Foundation, our donors, alumni and colleagues who have joined KCU on this important journey,” Hahn said. “We look forward to fulfilling our remaining campaign goals to expand the important work of our faculty and students.”
KCU will continue efforts to raise the $8.5 million needed to reach its other campaign priorities: $4 million towards medical student scholarships and faculty support, $2.5 million for medical research, and $2 million for community outreach programs treating local children in poverty and global health.
To apply for a Mabee challenge grant, the foundation requires applicants to have a least 40 percent of the project cost raised. KCU announced the public phase of the Leading the Way campaign and Mabee Challenge during its Centennial Gala October 22, 2016.
About the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation
Founded in 1948 by John E. Mabee and Lottie E. Mabee, The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation provides financial support to a variety of charitable organizations, religious organizations, institutions of higher learning, and entities focused on scientific, medical and health care activities. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, The Mabee Foundation’s geographical areas of interest include Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Its assets total nearly $1 billion.
