The College of Education and Human Development’s annual Philanthropy Brunch brought together scholarship recipients, faculty and donors to celebrate the life-changing impact of giving. The event provided an opportunity for students to personally thank the donors who make their education possible, and for faculty to express gratitude for the support that advances teaching and research across the college.

Held on October 4 at the State Historical Society of Missouri, the event featured remarks from Kui Xie, Dean and Joanne H. Hook Dean’s Chair in Educational Renewal. Xie shared updates on the college’s continued progress in teaching, research, and outreach, highlighting how faculty and students are driving innovation in classrooms, communities, and workplaces across Missouri and beyond.

Christine Smith, Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of Missouri, spoke about how the college’s mission aligns with Power the Roar, Mizzou’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. She emphasized how donor support for both scholarships and faculty endowments strengthens the university’s impact by expanding access to education, fueling research, and preparing the next generation of educators and leaders.

The keynote address was delivered by Patty (Slater) Hummel, BS Ed `86, whose father-in-law established The Hummel Family Foundation in 2016. Since then, the foundation has provided scholarships to more than 300 Mizzou students, helping them pursue degrees in teaching, medicine, law, veterinary science, public health, and engineering.

“When you decide to give to the University of Missouri, I can guarantee you that it will be the most gratifying gift that you can give — to help students in need and know that you are changing lives for the better,” Hummel said. “Because it has helped our lives tremendously.”

The Hummels’ connection to Mizzou runs deep. Their three daughters — Carley (BFA `16), Madison (BJ `18), and Katie (BS Ed `22, M Ed `24) — are all proud alumni, and their son Bobby, a senior in the School of Journalism, will soon join them.

Their story reflects the spirit of giving celebrated at the Philanthropy Brunch — a reminder of how donor support directly strengthens opportunities for students and faculty, helping the college continue its mission to educate, innovate, and serve communities across Missouri.