Joe Jarosz
Northeast New
Jan. 12, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences [KCU] kicked off its centennial celebration year with the ribbon cutting of its administration building.

The largest medical school in Missouri, and the one of the oldest osteopathic medical schools in the country, hosted the ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday afternoon. Marc B. Hahn, president and chief executive officer of KCU, welcomed everyone in attendance for joining them and thanked board members and local dignitaries for their help in making KCU an anchor in the Historic Northeast community.

“The opening of our renovated administration building marks yet another milestone in KCU’s century long history,” Hahn said. We are proud of our past and look forward to a bright future of educating the region’s top physicians.”

Originally home to the first Children’s Mercy Hospital, the building was purchased in 1971 by the KCU Alumni Association, gifted to KCU in 1975 and became the school’s official address in 1979. The 16 month renovation was completed this past December, which resulted in a more modern facility while retaining its classic facade. The newly remodeled Administration Building includes the Walker Family Welcome Center, the Board Room and 11 departments, housing approximately 70 members of KCU faculty and staff. More than one mile of wood from the original building was salvaged and reused; the project will be LEED certified at the Silver level.

Throughout the year, the school will hold more events to celebrate its 100-year anniversary, including playing host to Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Randy Schekman on campus Research Day.