The William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence was established in 1991 with a $500,000 gift. Kemper, a 1926 MU graduate, was a well-known civic leader in Kansas City until his death in 1989. His 52-year career in banking included top positions at banks in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Commerce Bank manages the trust fund.
The fellowship, which includes a $15,000 stipend, is awarded to five outstanding teachers at the University of Missouri each year.