Honor Roll
Cutcliff,  Mary
McEvoy,  Sean
Phillips,  Dania
Walker,  Shauntay
Westbrook,  Jonathan
Akalu,  Meaza
Bagley,  Cindy
Campos Martinez,Yazmin
ChirChir,  Joel
Clayton,  Jamaal
Diack,  Mademba
Gachanja,  Irene
Grijalva,  Jesus
Ibe,  Chinwendu
Karinga,  Lucy
Lawver,  Catherine
Limo,  Stephen
Medina,  Liz
Meero,  Flavian
Moore,  Brenda
Muitu,  Lucy
Munyua,  Alice Stella
Nalianya,  Celestina
Ndichu,  Emmah
Ndungu,  Mercy
Ngugi,  Faith
Njuguna,  Rosemary
Ramirez,  Mitzi
Rocha,  Jacob
Rodriguez,  Rosa

Dean’s ListAmparan, Zulema
Bahamonde, Carmelita
Bueno, Ruben
Dominguez, Pablo
Favela, Rosa
Gerber, Ambrosia
Machuki, Lillian
Medrano, Ivan Velazquez
Oppong, Anthony
Rios-Soto, Alicia
Rodriguez, Maria
Swift, Sheila
Theuri, Millicent
Trotter, Dana

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (May 2, 2013)- Donnelly College and Bishop Ward High School have joined forces to launch an education initiative that gives Bishop Ward students a more affordable means of earning college credit and allows them to prepare for college on a whole new level. 

Starting in Fall 2013, all Bishop Ward students will have the opportunity to earn up to 24 college credit hours from Donnelly College by taking designated courses at no additional cost to families. As the program develops, students will have the opportunity to complete additional coursework based on their interests and completion of prerequisites.

“The greatest part of this coalition will be that our students, depending on their ability and motivation, will be able to graduate from Bishop Ward in some cases with up to two semesters worth of college credit,” Bishop Ward President Fr. Michael Hermes said. “Our students will have an unprecedented head-start on college.”

Unlike other dual-enrollment programs, Donnelly has substantially decreased the cost per credit hour so that Bishop Ward is able to extend this benefit to students with no additional cost to their families.

“We believe in the potential of Bishop Ward students and that’s one of the many reasons why Donnelly is committed to significantly reducing the per-credit-hour charge as part of this agreement,” Donnelly College President Dr. Steven LaNasa said. “The opportunity to get a head-start on college should be available for all students, not only students who are financially positioned to do so.”

Dr. LaNasa and Fr. Hermes spearheaded the College Credit Coalition to advance the mission of both institutions and to strengthen the community through education. The Coalition is the first and only partnership of this kind in the Archdiocese.

“Donnelly and Bishop Ward share much more than a next-door-neighbor relationship,” said LaNasa. “We share a common history and mission of empowering our community through quality, faith-based, educational opportunities. Through this agreement, we are continuing that tradition and positioning students to contribute to the growth and success of our community.”

Fr. Hermes expects that “100%” of Bishop Ward students will take part in this program during their high school careers. Guidance counselors will work closely with students, beginning freshman year, to help them select classes that will make it possible to take full advantage of this opportunity. The program will feature a collaborative curriculum from Donnelly and Bishop Ward faculty. All credits earned are transferrable to area colleges and universities.

"Donnelly College has been very good to Bishop Ward over the years,” Fr. Hermes said. “Now they are giving us the greatest gift which is this exclusive and special partnership which will award college credit to all of our students who can perform at the highest levels."

About DonnellyDonnelly College, located in Kansas City, Kan., is an independent, coeducational, Catholic institution founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Donnelly was established in 1949 to make college accessible to urban immigrants and the working class. Today, the College continues that tradition by offering affordable access to higher education. Racially and ethnically diverse students learn in an exceptionally supportive environment and engage in a strong general education curriculum integrated with career-oriented majors. Bachelor’s and associate degrees as well as certificates are offered. Donnelly is the region’s only federally designated Minority Serving and Hispanic Serving Institution. To find out more, please visit www.donnelly.edu.

About Bishop Ward
Bishop Ward High School was founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth and is located in the heart of Kansas City, Kan. For over a century, the Bishop Ward Cyclones have been growing in their faith, preparing for college and going out into the world to make a difference.

The Mission of Bishop Ward High School is to provide a quality, Catholic, college-preparatory education in a Christ-centered community that nurtures the body, mind and soul of each student.

Bishop Ward High School pledges to continue to instill values of academic excellence, compassion for others, a deeper understanding of the Catholic-Christian faith, and a sense of civic responsibility, both in and out of the classroom. Bishop Ward graduates will be well prepared for the challenges of the 21st century as life-long learners who will continue to serve others through Christ.

KANSAS CITY, Kan., April 3, 2013 — Donnelly College and Avila University provided details of a scholarship agreement today at an announcement at the Donnelly campus.

Donnelly students who earn an associate degree and maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average can transfer to Avila with the guarantee of being awarded at least $11,000 in institutional scholarship assistance. The agreement commences with the start of the Fall 2013 semester.

“Avila and Donnelly share a strong commitment to enriching Kansas City and the lives of its residents,” said Brandon Johnson, M.Ed., associate vice president of Enrollment Managements at Avila. “Our institutions share similar values and we believe Donnelly graduates will benefit from the opportunity to continue their educations at Avila.”

Donnelly President Steve LaNasa, PhD, said this agreement opens additional opportunities for Donnelly graduates who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree. “Avila offers a range of bachelor’s programs that align with the educational goals of Donnelly graduates,” said LaNasa. “We are pleased to partner with Avila. This scholarship agreement will enhance students’ abilities to continue their college careers in a rich, academic environment at a private, Catholic institution.”

About Donnelly

Donnelly College, located in Kansas City, Kansas, is an independent, coeducational, Catholic institution founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Donnelly was established in 1949 to make college accessible to urban immigrants and the working class. Today, the College continues that tradition by offering affordable access to higher education. Racially and ethnically diverse students learn in an exceptionally supportive environment and engage in a strong general education curriculum integrated with career-oriented majors. Bachelor’s and associate degrees as well as certificates are offered. Donnelly is the region’s only federally designated Minority Serving and Hispanic Serving Institution. To find out more, please visit www.donnelly.edu.

About Avila University

Avila University is a Catholic, co-educational, values-based liberal arts institution founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, offering undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree programs.  Avila University is located at 119th and Wornall Rd. in southwest suburban Kansas City, Mo.

KANSAS CITY, Kan., March 14, 2013 — Attendees at the Grand Opening and Dedication of the new Donnelly College Community Event Center on Friday, April 5 at 1 p.m. will be among the first in the community to cross the threshold of the new $1.5 million community facility. The event is open to the public and will include comments by Mayor Joe Reardon and other supporters, a blessing by Archbishop Joseph Naumann and tours of the new facility.

The opening of the 3,196 square-foot Center doubles the College’s event programming space. It features a catering kitchen, state-of-the-art multi-media technology, a circle drive drop-off and a lighted outdoor courtyard. With capacity to accommodate up to 175 people, the Center will be used for meetings and campus events. The facility will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis for private and nonprofit events. Rental rates and details can be found at donnelly.edu/eventcenter on the FAQ page or at donnelly.edu/roomrental/index.html . The phone contact is 913.621.8746.

“In addition to enriching the experiences of our students, the new Community Event Center promises to strengthen Donnelly’s connection to the KCK community,” says Steven M. LaNasa, PhD, Donnelly president. “As a neighborhood anchor in central KCK, Donnelly is deeply committed to helping area residents pursue higher education opportunities. The Center will create opportunities for individuals and groups from diverse background come together on the DC campus.”

The opening of the Center marks the completion of the first phase of a comprehensive, multi-year Donnelly campus improvement plan. The next phase of development will focus on renovations to the main tower including construction of a new entrance, a state-of-the-art academic resource center and library, a campus chapel and additional improvements that enhance the overall learning environment.

“This project is the most ambitious development effort launched since the College’s founding by Bishop Donnelly and Sister Jerome Keeler in 1949,” says William H. Dunn, Jr., Donnelly College trustee and co-chair of the project’s capital campaign. “We’re pleased to be investing in the future of Donnelly and in KCK’s urban core because the College’s diverse student body represents our world – and our future. Here at Donnelly, students are getting skills and tools that will pave the way for future success.”

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About Donnelly
Donnelly College, located in Kansas City, Kansas, is an independent, coeducational, Catholic institution founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Donnelly was established in 1949 to make college accessible to urban immigrants and the working class. Today, the College continues that tradition by offering affordable access to higher education. Racially and ethnically diverse students learn in an exceptionally supportive environment and engage in a strong general education curriculum integrated with career-oriented majors. Bachelor’s and associate degrees as well as certificates are offered. Donnelly is the region’s only federally designated Minority Serving and Hispanic Serving Institution. To find out more, please visit www.donnelly.edu.

# # #

Kansas City’s First Gateway to College Program Offers Opportunities for Motivated, At-Risk Students and Dropouts to Graduate,  Earn College Credit at Donnelly College Starting Fall 2013

KANSAS CITY, Kan., Feb. 11, 2013 — Every year, an estimated 1.3 million high school students across the country drop out or fail to graduate with their peers. It’s a challenge that presents long-term and far-reaching socio-economic implications.

Districts in the Metro area also struggle with the challenge of graduating every student prepared for college and careers. In Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS), the graduation rate hovers around 67 percent. Current and former KCKPS students will be participating in an effort to boost graduation rates and college enrollments,  by being the first in the state of Kansas to participate in a nationwide initiative which has garnered support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other prominent funders.

Gateway to College at Donnelly, an innovative new partnership with Donnelly College, an urban Kansas City liberal arts institution, and Gateway to College National Network (GtCNN), a national nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon,  is aimed at increasing graduation rates and opening doors to post-secondary study among KCK students who have dropped out of high school, and those who are on the verge of dropping out.

Scheduled to launch in August 2013, Gateway to College at Donnelly will enroll 50 young people who have dropped out of school or are significantly behind in credits for their age. Approximately 150 students are expected to apply for 50 available seats in the inaugural cohort. Through the program, students will complete their high school diploma requirements at Donnelly, while simultaneously earning college credits toward an associate’s degree or certificate. GtCNN awarded a $342,500 grant to Donnelly for planning and implementation of the program. During a three-year period, Gateway to College at Donnelly is expected to enroll 300 youth.

During the first term of study, students will build academic and personal skills in a small community of peers on the Donnelly campus. Instructors and student support specialists who understand the obstacles and challenges faced by youth who drop out of school will help students improve proficiency in reading, writing and math. Students will also prepare for the transition to college through enrollment in introductory courses with the general student population. It is projected that students will continue in the program for three to four semesters.

“It’s about giving students a second chance,” says Amy Neufeld, Ph.D., associate vice president of Student Success at Donnelly. “We have always been deeply committed to helping young people pursue higher education. Now, through this partnership with Gateway to College National Network, Donnelly’s ability to empower students and enhance access to college is further augmented. Our team is perfectly positioned to reengage students who have struggled to meet graduation requirements.

“This initiative is changing young lives across the country and now it’s going to be impacting youth, ages 17 to 21, in Kansas City, Kansas,” Neufeld continues. “Gateway to College at Donnelly doesn’t just give students another shot at graduating – it’s a dual credit program that also provides opportunities to concurrently earn substantial college credit.”

Although Gateway to College is a relatively new model – it started in 2000 – it’s already impacted thousands of students in communities across the nation and currently operates at 43 colleges in 23 states. Donnelly is the first private college to launch a Gateway to College program.

Results at established Gateway to College programs are encouraging. Network partners report significant improvements in attendance with an average attendance rate of 81 percent. Students report feeling safer and more connected than they did while enrolled in high school.  During the 2011/2012 academic year, Gateway students enrolled in over 13,000 courses for which a letter grade is awarded, and passed 68% of these classes with a C or better.

The most innovative component of the program is the opportunity to earn college credit while fulfilling requirements for high school graduation. Participants graduate from Gateway to College with a high school diploma and an average of 33 college semester credit hours, putting them well on their way to earning an associate’s degree. On average, students with two-year degrees earn twice as much as high school dropouts.

“Helping students succeed now costs society far less than the longer-term consequences of not reengaging them,” says Laurel Dukehart, GtCNN president. “Dropouts face lives of poverty, limited opportunity and even shorter life spans. They’re 3.5 times more likely than high school graduates to be incarcerated.

“The work that we’re doing matters a great deal – to individual participants and to communities as a whole,” Dukehart continues. “We are very pleased to partner with Donnelly College as we introduce this initiative to Kansas City and we’re extremely confident in the College’s capacity to further the mission of Gateway to College National Network.”

Recruitment of students into the Gateway to College at Donnelly program will commence this spring.

“There are countless reasons why students struggle to succeed in traditional learning environments,” says Mary Viveros, KCKPS district coach of implementation – secondary. “Gateway to College at Donnelly offers a valuable opportunity for youth in our community to receive the support they need to rise above diverse challenges. We will be reaching out to English language learners, teen parents, students with family responsibilities as well as those who deal with other significant life challenges that prevent success in a traditional high school.”

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About Donnelly

Donnelly College, located in Kansas City, Kansas, is an independent, coeducational, Catholic institution founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Donnelly was established in 1949 to make college accessible to urban immigrants and the working class. Today, the College continues that tradition by offering affordable access to higher education. Racially and ethnically diverse students learn in an exceptionally supportive environment and engage in a strong general education curriculum integrated with career-oriented majors. Bachelor’s and associate degrees as well as certificates are offered. Donnelly is the region’s only federally designated Minority Serving and Hispanic Serving Institution. To find out more, please visit www.donnelly.edu.

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About Gateway to College National Network

Gateway to College National Network (GtCNN) builds the capacity of colleges, school districts, and states to revolutionize education for high school dropouts and underprepared college students so that all young people can achieve college credentials. GtCNN’s strategies include creating and replicating innovative programs, building partnerships, conducting research and sharing what we know, helping effect policy and regulatory changes, and providing customized consulting services to colleges and school districts.

Portland Community College created the Gateway to College program in 2000 to help reconnect high school dropouts with their education. Since 2003, Gateway to College has evolved from a single-site program into a national network of 43 colleges in 23 states partnering with more than 125 school districts. To find out more, please visit www.gatewaytocollege.org.

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About Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is a nationally recognized urban school district that has become a model of excellence for other urban school districts throughout the nation. It is the largest school district in Wyandotte County and the 5th largest in the state of Kansas. The district serves 20,200 students pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with 3400 employees in 47 schools. Students in KCKPS come from a remarkably diverse community, with roots around the globe. There are 65 different home languages spoken in the homes of district students, and 40% speak English as a second language.

The district goal is that each student will exit high school prepared for college and careers in a global society, and at every level, performance is on-track and on-time for success. Innovative programs and areas of focus that support student success include being the first urban district (and district in the Metro area) to provide a laptop for every high school student, a state-recognized model pre-school program, a strong emphasis on professional development for teachers, administrators and staff, and a commitment to “Inspiring Excellence: Every Grownup, Every Child, Every Day.”

Area Artists, Musicians to Present Programs on Hip Hop, Jazz, More

KANSAS CITY, Kan., Feb. 5, 2013 — Students, faculty, staff and area artists are joining together to celebrate the enormous contributions that black Americans make to the culture of our city and nation. The community is invited to visit the Donnelly campus and attend/participate in three events.

Thursday, February 7, 3 pm – 5 pm, DC Meeting Room
HIP HOP Workshop (feat. REACH)

Workshop / Reach, (born Stacy D. Smith), is a Hip Hop artist from Kansas City, Mo., who began writing and reciting rhymes at age 13. He utilizes what he calls “blue-collar rap,” a reality-based, personable brand of Hip Hop, to combat an industry saturated with negative imagery and stereotypes. Workshop participants will interact with a professional artist and have the opportunity to create original rhymes. Direct questions to Betsy Gran at bgran@donnelly.edu.

February 11 – March 27, DC Community Arts Space
The Tradition Jams On: A Chronicle of Jazz with Kansas City’s Mutual Musicians Foundation

Gallery Exhibit / Kansas City is widely regarded as one of the original cradles of jazz and for nearly a century, the Mutual Musicians Foundation has served as an epicenter of musicians and entertainers who continue to keep Kansas City’s jazz legacy alive. Come hear their story. Direct questions to Andrew Julo at ajulo@donnelly.edu.

Thursday, February 21 – 5:30 pm – 7 pm, DC Meeting Room
Young Jazz Masters Performance

Performance / The newest wave of jazz performers to hit Kansas City will perform. The Young Jazz Masters is an early jazz preparatory program aimed at serving youth in Kansas City who wish to further their music education and research in the fundamentals of jazz studies. The audience will hear some jazz favorites performed by talented young musicians. Performers will talk about the fundamentals of the genre. A 30-minute video highlighting the development of Kansas City-based jazz will be shown. Refreshments will be served. Direct questions to Andrew Julo at ajulo@donnelly.edu.

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About Donnelly

Donnelly College, located in Kansas City, Kansas, is an independent, coeducational, Catholic institution founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Donnelly was established in 1949 to make college accessible to urban immigrants and the working class. Today, the College continues that tradition by offering affordable access to higher education. Racially and ethnically diverse students learn in an exceptionally supportive environment and engage in a strong general education curriculum integrated with career-oriented majors. Bachelor’s and associate degrees as well as certificates are offered. Donnelly is the region’s only federally designated Minority Serving and Hispanic Serving Institution. To find out more, please visit www.donnelly.edu.

Partnership Creates Path for Transfer Students Planning to Continue Their Education

KANSAS CITY, Kan., Nov. 1, 2012 —Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan. and Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan. formalized an articulation agreement today that enables students to transfer their Donnelly credit hours to Baker University. Students who have earned an Associate of/in Arts or Associate of/in Science degree at Donnelly with a cumulative grade point average of 2.60 or higher will be guaranteed admission to Baker University to continue undergraduate studies that lead to a bachelor’s degree.

The agreement between Baker and Donnelly is designed to improve the transition process for students.

“Baker is another excellent option for Donnelly College students,” said Dr. Steve LaNasa, Donnelly president. “We know the University’s approach and commitment to students is very much like Donnelly’s and we’re confident that students will find success on Baker’s campus. The signing of this agreement represents our institutions’ commitment to fostering students’ academic achievement in a very intentional way.”

Donnelly students who wish to transfer to Baker after earning an associate degree should complete an admissions application at www.bakeru.edu/apply. There’s no application fee. Official academic transcripts from all colleges attended, including Donnelly, must be sent to Baker to be admitted.

“We are pleased to partner with Donnelly and provide more opportunities for students to continue their education,” said Dr. Brian Posler, Baker executive vice president for academic affairs. “Today’s agreement with Donnelly will allow deserving students to consider pursuing a Baker degree and explore the majors we offer.”

Approximately 85 percent of Donnelly’s students are first-generation college students.

“We are intent on building bridges that help Donnelly students achieve their education goals,” said Amy Neufeld, Donnelly’s Assoc. VP of Student Success. “Many of our students and their families are unfamiliar with the transfer process. We are actively working to update and formalize articulation agreements with colleges and universities in the region, making it easier to navigate the transition to four-year institutions.”

Donnelly’s most recent agreement updates include Newman University in Wichita, Kan., Park University in Parkville, Mo., and Baker University. Additional  agreements are in the works.

About Donnelly

Donnelly College, located in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, is an independent, coeducational, Catholic institution founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The College was established in 1949 to meet the needs of urban immigrants and the working class. Today, Donnelly continues that tradition by providing access and affordable education within a culture that promotes student success and by serving as the region’s only federally designated Minority Serving Institution and Hispanic Serving Institution. Donnelly College offers programs leading to bachelor and associate degrees and certificates. To find out more, visit www.donnelly.edu. 

About Baker

Founded in 1858, Baker University is the first university in Kansas. Baker is a premier four-year liberal arts university and committed to assuring student earning and developing confident, competent and responsible contributors to society. To find out more, visit www.bakeru.edu.