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Founders' Bios

FOUNDERS' BIOS

FOUNDERS' BIOS

Dr. E. Grey Dimond

(1918-2013)

&

Mary Clark Dimond

(1916-1983)

Staff & Interns

STAFF

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DIANE MAGERS
 Administrator

magersd@umkc.edu

816.235.8857

Diane has worked at Diastole Scholars’ Center since 2007.  She holds a B.S. in Accounting, from the University of Kansas and a M.A. in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. Prior to working at Diastole, Diane worked as an accountant for several international companies, and also owned a dessert catering business. In addition to managing all aspects of a non-profit, from financial management to property management, while being a conscientious steward of the gift of E. Grey and Mary Clark Dimond, she promotes the donors' intent of people "coming together, thinking, talking, reasoning, planning".  

Diane is a Stephen Minister and leader at Westside Family Church.  She enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, creating new cookie recipes, and spending time with her grandsons.

2025-2026
Resident Staffer

Michael Dankyi Ansong if from Ghana, West Africa, currently pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UMKC.  His research focuses on developing light-activated delivery systems for therapeutic proteins and hormones, such as insulin, aimed at improving the management of conditions like type 1 diabetes and other hormonal deficiencies.

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Michael is also a recipient of the Preparing Future Faculty Fellowship  (2023-2024), working towards a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Career Preparation.  In addition, he serves as the President of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Student Association at UMKC.

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Outside of his academic work, Michael enjoys hosting friends with his wife, playing pick-up soccer 2-3 times a week, and watching boxing matches every weekend.  

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Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON
Treasurer

Alexander Norbash, M.D.
Dean
UMKC School of Medicine

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KAREN CANON
Chairman

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Michele Kilo, M.D.

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CURT CRESPINO
UMKC Vice Chancellor of External Relations and Constituent Engagement

 

MARK THORNHILL
Vice-Chairman

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GREG LAM
Managing Partner,
Copilevitz, Lam & Raney


 

DIANE MAGERS
Secretary

REBECCA SMITH
 

Partners

PARTNERS

Diastole Scholars' Center is grateful to be included in the new UMKC Health Sciences District, a cutting-edge partnership between several of the medical facilities on Hospital Hill, including the UMKC School of Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital, and Truman Medical Center.

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