by Amanda Bertholf // Spring 2011

A $1 million gift from Jo Anna Dale (B.A. ’52) will create the Jo Anna Dale English Scholarship and support two scholarships Dale previously established: the Jo Anna Dale Scholarship in Creative Writing (established in 2007) and the Jo Anna Dale Conservatory Scholarship (established in 2010).

Dale has cultivated a strong interest in literature and creative writing since she first stepped foot on the UMKC campus in the late 1940s. Although she majored in English, Dale is also an avid supporter of the performing arts, so her $1 million gift will be divided equally between the Department of English and the Conservatory of Music and Dance.

In addition to the three scholarships, she established the Dale Vocal Studies Travel Fund in 2008, which provides financial support to vocal students needing to travel to launch their careers.

“Her generosity provides students in two of UMKC’s fine programs with the resources necessary to reach their potential,” said UMKC Chancellor Leo E. Morton. “This type of support exemplifies the pride the university’s alumni have in their school.” Dale, a published writer, said she hopes to foster a new generation of writers and musicians.