#USA #Kansas City #Medical Education #Kansas City University #Paul W. Dybedal

Kansas City University's Historic Donation

In a landmark moment for Kansas City University (KCU), the institution has received a generous donation exceeding $20 million from the estate of Paul W. Dybedal, DO, and his wife, Mary Louise Dybedal. This substantial gift marks the largest individual contribution in the university's history, a testament to the couple's commitment to improving medical education and advancing research in the osteopathic field.

Legacy of Commitment to Medicine

Dr. Paul W. Dybedal, a graduate of KCU's College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1954, spent a distinguished career in the field of psychiatry and dedicated himself to education and service. His contributions were not just in medical practice but also in shaping future generations of medical professionals. As a former U.S. Army Reserves medical officer and a forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Dybedal brought significant experience and compassion to his work.

Following his retirement from the KCU Board of Trustees in 2007 after 36 years, his legacy continued. According to his son, Paul Dybedal Jr., this gift represents their family’s desire to ensure future generations have access to the same educational opportunities that their father enjoyed.

Areas of Impact from the Generous Gift

The funds from this substantial donation will have a multifaceted impact on KCU's growth and development:

• - Expansion of the Dybedal Center: The first area of focus will be the enhancement of the Dybedal Center for Research located on the Kansas City campus. Alongside this, modern laboratory facilities will be established on the Joplin campus, significantly boosting the university's research capabilities in medical and biosciences.

• - Endowed Chair of Psychiatry: Another crucial initiative will be the establishment of the Paul W. Dybedal, DO, Endowed Chair of Psychiatry. This role will bolster psychiatric education, support groundbreaking behavioral health research, and aid in attracting and retaining top-tier faculty in the field.

• - Scholarship Fund Enhancement: Additionally, the Mary L. Dybedal Scholarship Fund will receive increased support to provide future medical students with tuition assistance, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to medical education.

The Dybedal family's commitment to KCU is longstanding. They have previously supported the establishment of scholarships for osteopathic medical students and contributed over $22.7 million to the university through various initiatives, including a pivotal 2004 gift that enabled advancements in medical education and biomedical research.

Gratitude and Future Impact

Marc B. Hahn, DO, president and CEO at KCU, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the Dybedal family, emphasizing how their contributions will immensely benefit the university and the communities KCU serves. The impact of this generous gift resonates far beyond the university itself; it propels innovations in medical research and education, while also enhancing the quality of healthcare in broader communities.

Kansas City University has been at the forefront of healthcare education since its founding in 1916. It boasts a strong reputation, being one of the largest producers of osteopathic physicians in Missouri and leading the way in primary care training, particularly in underserved areas.

Dr. Dybedal's legacy will continue to influence not only current students but will also foster a future generation of healthcare professionals dedicated to serving their communities with compassion and expertise. As KCU prepares for a vibrant future shaped by this unprecedented gift, it stands as a beacon of hope and advancement in the medical education landscape.

In conclusion, the Dybedal family's thoughtful contribution profoundly reflects their enduring belief in the power of education and healthcare service. Their story is one of inspiration, showcasing how individual commitments can forge significant changes that resonate across generations. KCU's mission to promote the well-being of the communities they serve will undoubtedly thrive and expand, thanks to this generosity.