Sara Kincaid // Fall 2015

Terry and Peggy Dunn have given much to UMKC as individuals and as a couple. On April 25, 2015, at the Alumni Awards luncheon, Chancellor Leo E. Morton presented them the Chancellor’s Medal, the campus’ top honor for volunteerism.

As alumni, the Dunns have served in countless ways. They chaired the university’s capital campaign from 2000-2006, helping surpass a $200 million goal. This past spring, they funded the newly designated Terry and Peggy Dunn Family Classroom, an 80-seat, tiered classroom incorporating state-of-the-art technology. The space is used extensively for graduate and executive education for both Bloch School of Management students and for corporate leaders who receive leadership and entrepreneurship training from UMKC.

Terry (M.B.A. ’73) began his 41-year career at JE Dunn Construction as a contract officer. He was named president in 1986 and CEO in 1989. Under his leadership, JE Dunn has been ranked consistently as one of the nation’s top contractors in several areas. He recently stepped down as president and CEO and is currently serving as chair of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Terry was recognized by UMKC and its Alumni Association with the Alumnus of the Year Award in 1994. He has supported UMKC by serving as a member of the UMKC Foundation Board of Directors, Bloch School Executive Round Table, School of Medicine Board of Visitors, UMKC Trustees Board and is a past president of the Bloch School Advisory Board.

Peggy (B.S. ’72) graduated with a degree in sociology and worked as a probation officer and a piano teacher. In 1993, she won a seat on the city council of Leawood, Kan. In 1997, she was elected mayor, a role in which she continues to serve. Peggy was recognized by the College of Arts and Sciences in 2014 with its Alumni Achievement Award. Peggy has served on the Entrepreneur of the Year Advisory Board, as chair of the EOY Awards dinner and on the Friends of the Conservatory Advisory Board.Most recently, Peggy served as honorary co-chair for the campus’ 80th anniversary in 2013-2014. In addition, she currently serves as a senior fellow for the Bloch School’s Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership.

For their significant impact in the community and service to the region’s civic and nonprofit organizations, the Dunns were awarded the Marion and John Kreamer Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2010 at the UMKC Bloch School Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

“Terry and Peggy have been stalwart advocates for UMKC over the decades,” says Chancellor Morton. “It’s hard to find an area of campus that hasn’t benefited from their involvement. We’re so pleased to be able to recognize them for their countless hours of service and dedication to this university.”