KU Giving Spring 2024, Issue 38

A NEW NARRATIVE FOR BRAIN HEALTH

JAYHAWK SUPPORTS STUDENT DREAMS

A HUB OF DISCOVERY KU faculty researchers inspire

the next generation of inventive thinkers

EVER ONWARD ON THE ROAD

Denver Jayhawks flocked together for a fun and inspiring evening with Chancellor Douglas Girod, KU Endowment Trustee Todd Slawson and KU deans, staff and students. The Rock Chalk pride was evident as KU leaders shared the university’s game-changing achievements, impactful student experiences, faculty-led discoveries and vision for Ever Onward.

Learn more about the Ever Onward campaign and how the $2.5 billion fundraising goal will transform our university and our society at kueveronward.org.

SPRING 2024

KU Giving is published by KU Endowment, the private fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. You are receiving this magazine because you support KU.

CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Lydia I. Beebe

PRESIDENT

Daniel J. Martin

AVP, COMMUNICATIONS

Michelle Keller

SR. DIRECTOR AND TEAM LEAD, COMMUNICATIONS & CREATIVE OPERATIONS

Daryl Bell

PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR

Valerie Gieler

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Sarah Meiers

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer Walker

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily Becker

Daryl Bell

Jodi Bouyack

Valerie Gieler

Max McElroy

Brian Sussman

Anne Tangeman

We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. KU Giving magazine P.O. Box 928 Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

785-832-7400 kugiving@kuendowment.org

Postmaster: Send address changes to: KU Endowment P.O. Box 928 Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

ON THE COVER Faculty and student researchers in University of Kansas Professor Jocelyn Colella’s Lab at the KU Biodiversity Institute work with specimens ranging from small rodents to this lion skull being held by Colella. Photo by Brian Goodman.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ann Dean 19, 24 • Brian Goodman 6-10, 18, 20 • HNTB 22 • iStockPhoto/ PixelCatchers 5 • KUMC Photo Services/Selena Jabara 16 • Mark McDonald 2, 15 • Mike Strong 25 • University of Kansas 4, 20 • University of Kansas/Luke Jordan 25 • University of Kansas/Meg Kumin 5, BC • University of Kansas/Andy White 4, 5 • Zach Lucas IFC • Contributed 3, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 21

SHARING STORIES AND DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE

“WHAT

IMPACT HAS KU HAD ON YOUR LIFE?”

That one question sparked hundreds of stories across the country as we hosted members of Jayhawk Nation at regional Ever Onward campaign events this past spring. As we invited attendees to share their stories with others in the room, it was clear KU has transformed many lives, whether through education, research, athletic prowess or something as special as being the place where one met a college sweetheart who later became a beloved spouse.

Stories have a way of connecting us like nothing else. The more I travel and meet with members of our KU family, the more connected I feel to the hopes, desires and dreams they express for our university and our collective future.

At the regional campaign event in Los Angeles, Academy Award-winning film director, screenwriter — and KU professor of Film Studies — Kevin Willmott spoke and recalled being a young man in Junction City, Kan., who longed to make his own movies. In his teaching, his life provides an example for students as he seeks to “reduce the distance between Kansas and Hollywood,” letting them know the distance isn’t as great as it may appear.

The University of Kansas is a place of dreams, and our partnership with donors in ways both big and small helps support and encourage the pursuit and fulfillment of dreams — whether it’s pursuing a life passion, making a discovery that will change the world or carrying the Jayhawk spirit into our communities and fostering the common good for all. We all have a role to play in closing the gap in pursuing dreams.

It is a rare privilege to step into someone’s world and be treated to their innermost thoughts about the things that matter most to them. Whether it’s setting up a scholarship to help a first-generation student, providing seed money for a promising clinical research trial or giving a lead gift to lay the cornerstone of a brand-new building, our donors are in the unique position to co-write stories showcasing the power of philanthropy. What story would you like to write?

Ever Onward,

Daniel J. Martin

CONNECT WITH US and learn more about the Ever Onward campaign at kueveronward.org.

CULTIVATING A SUSTAINABLE VISION FOR KU’S BEAUTY

IN THE BUSTLING HEART of the University of Kansas lies a vibrant ecosystem of beauty and innovation. Every tulip on Jayhawk Boulevard, every native grass swaying in the breeze and every historic tree in Marvin Grove tells a story of dedication and stewardship. Behind this harmony of flora and fauna lies a visionary team fueled by passion, tirelessly working to elevate our campus to new heights — KU Grounds.

Close your eyes and envision our beloved campus stripped of its charm — a landscape devoid of color and life. While we often marvel at the splendor of our campus, the intricate connection between aesthetics and ecosystem balance may elude us. From the pollinator gardens to the majestic trees, the KU Grounds team understands the delicate harmony of our microecosystems and the grandeur they contribute to our campus identity.

At the heart of this vision lies a commitment to sustainability that echoes the essence of the Kansas prairie. Our campus, influenced by the vast expanse of our state’s landscape, aims to stand out visually as a brand — identifiable and compelling. And much like our beloved Jayhawk, completely unique. With a master plan that embraces native grasses and plants, weaving them into the fabric of the landscape, these fundamental design concepts not only celebrate our heritage but also create an identifiable representation, specific to our flagship university.

Maintaining the balance between sustainability and aesthetics requires more than just passion — it requires support.

KU Landscape Manager Joe Fearn and his team, while resourced as fully as possible, often encounter situations where additional funding could make all the difference. Donor support allows the grounds crew to meet

the demands of preserving and enhancing Mount Oread’s natural splendor. This includes upgrading equipment, offering the skilled crew competitive compensation and completing projects that may otherwise be put on hold.

Every gift, no matter the size, fuels the ongoing transformation of our campus into a breathtaking masterpiece. Donor support allows the grounds crew to plant native grasses, maintain historic trees and create awe-inspiring landscapes that captivate visitors and instill pride in every Jayhawk. Fearn’s passion for the campus landscape and the dedicated crew behind it are evident. “The landscape at a university — or anywhere — touches their own community in a way nothing else can,” he said. “This is where the magic happens. Our team is unified in pushing for a landscape that reflects our highest aspirations.”

By contributing to the Landscape Manager Fund, you become an integral part of our campus’s legacy. You empower the KU Grounds team alongside campus partners, students and staff to balance beauty with sustainability and create landscapes that not only “wow” today but endure for generations to come.

DARYL BELL

GROWING THE TEAM: The KU Grounds crew is composed of individuals striving to create a campus landscape that reflects their tremendous work ethic. Investing in a strong team is as equally important to operational success as it is to the landscape itself.

YOU CAN HELP Support campus beautification through the Landscape Manager Fund. Visit kuendowment.org/ kugrounds to contribute.

WHY I GIVE

“AARP Kansas is honored to have been a sponsor of the Landmark Celebration of the centennial of Senator Bob Dole’s birth and the 20th anniversary of the Dole Institute. We know and appreciate the legacy of Senator Dole and his work across the aisle on many issues that are important to AARP. We proudly serve nearly six million United States veterans, active-duty service members and military families and their caregivers.”

Glenda DuBoise, State Director, AARP Kansas Gift to the Dole Institute of Politics Centenary fund

“We grew up in middle-class households in Iowa. Our parents certainly didn’t have enough money to be making gifts of this type. I think we’re motivated by a sense of ‘aren’t we lucky?’ We’ve been fortunate. Education really is the key to making a good life for yourself and others. So now that we’ve had some financial success and luck — to be able to give to an educational institution is what’s important to us. Our two philanthropic goals are health care and education.”

Paul Black and Julie Cheslik, Kansas City, Mo. Gift to establish the John P. Black Professorship in History

“In fall 1983, I joined KU as a graduate student from India with $50 in my pocket and a mind filled with awe, anxiety, fear, curiosity and an undefined dream. KU transformed my education and life experiences forever. My innovative industrial research has enabled development of drug delivery technologies, advancement of predictive science, obtaining regulatory approvals, acknowledgement and acceptance by the pharmaceutical industry and academia at-large. These research initiatives have ultimately impacted the lives of millions of patients worldwide. The funds are provided to foster and strengthen the exchange of knowledge and experiences between academic and industrial researchers.”

Ravi Shanker, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1989, and Suman Shanker, Stonington, Conn.

Gift to establish the Ravi and Suman Shanker Pharmaceutical Chemistry Symposium fund

“The McConnell Professorship in Surgery supports not only the outstanding clinical care by Dr. Sean Kumer, the inaugural recipient, but also the significant impact of The University of Kansas Health System and KU Medical Center on Kansas City. The absolute best health care, research and training are happening right here, right now. I am so proud to be a part of this mission!”

Marilyn P. McConnell, Mission Hills, Kan.

Gift to establish the Marilyn P. McConnell Professorship

Governor Kelly signs the proclamation declaring July 2023 “Bob Dole Month.” From left to right: Senator Bob Dole’s daughter, Robin Dole; Dole Institute Director Audrey Coleman; Representative Barbara Ballard; Glenda DuBoise; and AARP Kansas volunteers.

“Our parents, Dr. Ole Robert and Margerie Cram, actively supported the University of Kansas for decades. A proud KU graduate, Ole served on the Alumni Association Board, as a member of the Williams Educational Fund, on the KU Honors program development committee and as a Chancellor’s Associate. He was one of the first recipients of the Mildred Clodfelter Alumni Award. “Doc” was a Family Practice Physician in Larned, Kan., for 40 years, where he and Margerie were active community members. They believed in higher education and inspired their five children to become Jayhawks.

To honor their loyalty and commitment to KU, we continue to support the Dr. Ole and Margerie Cram Memorial Scholarship, awarded to Pawnee County graduates who attend KU.”

Patricia Cram Nelson, bachelor’s in nursing 1966, and Michael Aaron Nelson, M.D. 1970

Charles Robert Cram, bachelor’s in business 1970, and Sandra Roberts Cram

James Edwin Cram, bachelor’s in pharmacy 1973, and Rebecca Schmidt Cram, bachelor’s in nursing 1972, master’s in nursing 1983

Mary Cram Myers, bachelor’s in education 1973, and Jack Myers

Betty Cram Dickerson, bachelor’s in social work 1975, master’s in social work 1976, and Tom Dickerson

Gift to the Dr. Ole and Margerie Cram Scholarship

“We know firsthand the challenges of getting timely and appropriate health care in our hometowns in Kansas, especially in emergencies. That’s why we established the Junod Public Health Scholarship to support graduate medical research to improve health care delivery for rural families.”

Forrest Junod, bachelor’s in zoology 1961, M.D. 1965, and Patricia Junod, bachelor’s in music education 1963, Sacramento, Calif.

Gift to the Patricia E. and Forrest L. Junod, M.D. Public Health Scholarship

“We both graduated from the KU School of Education in 1966 and began teaching careers that year — Carol Lynne in the Kansas City, Mo., Center District and Jeff in the Shawnee Mission District in Kansas. Our teaching careers were interrupted when Jeff entered the Army in 1968 during the Vietnam conflict. Even though life disrupted our careers, we revered our time as teachers and gained great respect for the profession and those who devote their careers to the important work of teaching and mentoring our youth. Recognizing the need to support the development and recruitment of great people into the profession, we established our scholarship to enable students to pursue and continue this challenging career path.”

Carol Lynne Ellis, bachelor’s in elementary education 1966, and Jeff Ellis, bachelor’s in social studies education 1966, Lake Quivira, Kan.

Gift to Jeff and Carol Lynne Byington Ellis Scholarship in Education

DISCUSSION:

A HUB OF DISCOVERY

KU FACULTY RESEARCHERS INSPIRE

THE NEXT GENERATION OF INVENTIVE THINKERS

BY VALERIE GIELER WITH

CONTRIBUTIONS

BY ANNE TANGEMAN

There are no typical days in University of Kansas Professor Jocelyn Colella’s Lab at the KU Biodiversity Institute.

“We’re able to give students multiple types of experiences,” said Colella, the Robert W. and Geraldine Wilson Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. “They can work in the museum collections, get molecular lab and computer experience, and then go outside and see the organism they’re working with in real life. We call it ‘full stack biology,’ a term we’ve borrowed from software development. You get to do the stuff in the field, the stuff in the lab

SPECIMEN

Robert W. and Geraldine Wilson Assistant Professor Jocelyn Colella shows student researchers (from left) Alex Hey, Daniel Ibañez IV and Ben Wiens what types of information the skull of a small mammal can reveal.

and then learn how to write and publish, which I think is a valuable set of skills for all students.”

As a conservationist at heart, Colella is a collectionsbased evolutionary biologist who uses mammals as models to understand how organisms change through time. Discovery of pathogens is an aspect of her research program that connects wild animals to human health. Nearly 80% of emerging diseases are zoonotic in origin, which means they begin in animals. While this can initially lead to fear, Colella sees it as an opportunity to be strategic and identify potential threats so they can be managed.

“Through museums, we can take a proactive response to figuring out what’s out there before we have an issue with it,” she said. “I do a lot of biodiversity discovery, including viral discovery, that allows scientists, communities and policymakers to be proactive in understanding, studying and identifying potential emerging threats. This is also positive for conservation, the other main thrust of my research program. Genetics can tell us a lot about the health of a population and how populations change through time.”

The opportunity to do research at the Biodiversity Institute and work in the Colella Lab was a primary factor for Alex Hey, of Chicago, to select KU for his ecology and evolutionary biology graduate studies. “With my work in particular, the primary applications and value come from viral monitoring. Obviously, with the pandemic a few years ago, it really put on our minds how much we need to emphasize global viral surveillance in mammals. This information isn’t just used by one researcher for one project right now, especially with bioinformatics and the way digital information is shared. All the specimens collected for my research, for example, are going to be open and publicly available to researchers at other institutions to use and reuse through the KU Biodiversity Institute’s Division of Mammals.”

Life in the lab

Researchers of all levels — from undergraduates to emeritus faculty members — contribute to the Colella Lab. This creates a dynamic and energetic atmosphere where everyone has the opportunity to learn from each other and look at a question or problem from a different point of view.

Museum Studies graduate student Catherine Dhority enjoys the interactions in the lab and the ability to personally investigate how collections are

used in research, the questions that can be answered with them, and the process and issues concerning their preservation and growth.

“The lab is hands-on!” she said. “I can apply everything I learn in a classroom or read in an article to an actual physical specimen. The lab also allows me to learn from people at all levels, including a curator, curator emeritus, collection manager, graduate students and undergraduates, so no question seems silly or too simple.”

For senior Xavier Murray, who is majoring in Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, working in the lab has given him a better understanding of how being a scientist works and helped him determine that he may want a career in research. “It’s made me more interested in my classes because I have learned how to ask better questions,” he said. “I’ve also realized that learning is constant progress. You never stop learning. It also helped my mindset on preparing for life and engaging on decisions about whether I want to go to grad school and what type of jobs are out there.”

Murray does not believe lack of experience with

KNOWLEDGE-SHARING: Graduate student and bat researcher Daniel Ibañez IV demonstrates the technique for handling fragile specimens to senior Xavier Murray.

research should hold anyone back in college and encourages any interested student to give it a chance. “Go into everything with an open mind and just try out everything at least once,” he said. “If you don’t like it, that’s just as important as finding out you do like something.”

Doctoral Candidate Ben Wiens has always preferred a hands-on style of education and believes being involved in research is the best way to learn, so the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum was a draw for him. “One of the big questions I’m really interested in is speciation such as, how do we get the biodiversity that we see in the world?” he said. “And one of the best ways to answer that is with DNA. I think it’s also very important for conservation to understand from a genetic perspective what’s going on in wildlife. I’m able to do all of that here because of the resources in the mammal collection of the museum and our capabilities to do genomics.”

Field expeditions

Colella’s research has taken her and students across Kansas and around the world to collect specimens and contribute to important work on conservation and pathogen discovery — including Panama, Costa Rica, Alaska and Canada.

UP CLOSE: Student researchers in the Colella Lab have the opportunity to experience all aspects of research, including investigations of mammal morphology, genomics and parasites and pathogens.

LATE NIGHTS: During a research trip to Panama, Jocelyn Colella works with a bat as part of a collaboration with the Gorgas Institute of Health.

COLLECTIONS AT WORK: Museum Studies graduate student Catherine Dhority discusses characteristics of the flying fox with Ecology and Evolutionary Biology graduate student Daniel Ibañez IV.

BEN WIENS

KU Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Doctoral

Candidate Ben Wiens found the perfect research nexus at the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum for his focus on mammal genomics. Its vast collections, fieldwork opportunities and mentorship intersect with modern lab capabilities including the use of new third-generation DNA sequencing methods.

Raised in the small town of Goessel, Kan., about 40 miles north of Wichita, Wiens has traveled internationally and across Kansas to collect information about mammals that can carry diseases impacting humans. He is part of an institute-wide resurvey project studying mammal species from across the state and comparing data to that of 100 years ago. The project will advance understanding of species’ responses to changing environments and provide valuable insights for agriculture, conservation and other fields.

While Jocelyn Colella is his faculty mentor, Wiens is also a near-peer mentor to other students. “It’s been really fun seeing them learn how to do things on their own,” he said. “I would like a faculty job after graduation to continue doing research and mentoring students.”

CATHERINE DHORITY

“I work a lot in southeast Alaska on mammals on islands, where more than 80% of the land is managed by the U.S. Forest Service under the Tongass National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan,” Colella said. “The Plan is currently undergoing revision, and my work on endemic species found there but nowhere else in the world is informing the update.”

She thinks it is important to recognize that modern museums get specimens in different ways, including through community partnerships. Many are donated by hunters, are found near the road or are provided by wildlife agencies to benefit science. And now, with data sharing, scientists all over the world can access these physical specimens and associated digital data for their research.

Wiens has been part of expeditions to Panama, Canada and Alaska, all in remote locations. “Being that far away from civilization was a very cool experience,” he said. “I enjoy being able to do fieldwork and seeing how different the ecosystems are out there.”

The work in Panama centered around trying to understand host pathogen dynamics specifically in bats, in partnership with the Gorgas Institute of Health. Panama has phenomenal bat diversity, with more than 100 species of bats in the country. In comparison, Kansas

Catherine Dhority selected the Museum Studies Graduate Program at KU due to the number of museum institutions surrounding the Lawrence and Kansas City area. Dhority volunteers with the Colella Lab because she wants to understand how museum collections are used and it connects to her undergraduate interests in evolution. She is finishing up her master’s degree this semester and has a goal of becoming a collections manager after graduation.

Dhority enjoys being able to follow the process of how a specimen is catalogued into the collection from start to finish. This includes paperwork and field notes, fieldwork, processing and cataloging. “It has helped me see how scientists and researchers use collections and learn best practices to make these collections more accessible,” she said. “Being involved in the research in Dr. Colella’s lab has helped me apply what I’ve learned in classes about collections management and curation.”

is about 10 times as large as Panama, but has about 90 species of mammals total. “We’re changing how fieldwork is done by working with local communities and making sure we’re empowering them to do their own research,” he said. “All the samples are split between the institutions so everyone has samples to enable collaborative research.”

FIELDWORK: Jocelyn Colella and student research assistants (from left) Bailey Dixon, Peter Campbell and Cody Van Dyke set up mist nets to sample bats in Kansas.

ALEX HEY

Alex Hey, a KU Ecology & Evolutionary Biology master’s student, joined the Colella Lab due to its global leadership in bioinformatics and the multidimensional training available from fieldwork to lab studies. Raised in West Chicago, Ill., Hey is currently studying mammal genomics and viral pathogens in wood rats (Neotoma). Hey loves asking questions and starts most days by reading papers — from new research to historical work that provided the foundation for his current research. He then heads into the lab to tackle work from prepping specimens for the collection to performing DNA extractions and genome sequencing. Data management is also a vital aspect of Hey’s graduate studies with KU’s strength in bioinformatics and computer science courses helping students develop career-relevant skills. “You get a huge diversity of lab experience here,” he said. “We have a molecular lab, a wet lab and a dry prep lab here. I get all sides of that world, which was a huge factor in me coming here.”

XAVIER MURRAY

KU senior Xavier Murray, who is majoring in Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, enjoys the hands-on aspect of doing research in the lab and learning firsthand. “In the classroom, it’s like, here are five things to know about this subject, and then you move on to the next thing because there’s so much stuff to cover,” he said. “In the lab, it’s like, we are going to study bats and this very specific thing about them, and we don’t know where it will take us. You realize that within each subject, you can just keep going.”

Murray enjoys the ability to have input on the areas he works on in the lab, although he has been open to doing anything. He is considering applying for a research position after graduation and could see himself earning a doctorate in the future and becoming a professor or having a research-focused career.

For Hey, fieldwork is enjoyable because he gets to see animal and wild ecosystems in their natural state. “My experience in the field has been enlightening,” he said. “The museum side of fieldwork is very rigorous and meticulous with its holistic specimen collection ethic. We record the GPS locations and other meta data for every specimen, and then it’s all made available online as major research infrastructure. It’s also a lot of fun getting to know the study system and the environment I’m working on in this way.”

A mentor for life

For students of all levels, the relationships with faculty mentors can be the difference-maker in their success.

Daniel Ibañez IV had several options for graduate school after completing his bachelor’s degree at New Mexico State University. A visit to the Biodiversity Institute and meeting the community of researchers sold him on KU. “It is such an incredible group of people — all the graduate students, all the professors,” he said. “You can walk up to any door and ask for help and everyone’s so ready to help you, and they want to.”

Ibañez said Colella has a strong work ethic and has a great grasp on what they should be doing ethically with specimens to maximize their value for future research. “She is an amazing professor and advisor who really cares,” Ibañez said. “It makes me try to match her energy.

DNA EXTRACTION: Jocelyn Colella checks team progress as Ben Wiens pipettes a solution containing DNA and Alex Hey prepares the sequencer for analysis. In real time, the sequencer reads and outputs whole mammal genomes for identification and also allows the researchers to selectively sequence pathogens or smaller parts of the genome.

I see her as my mentor for life now, whether she likes it or not. So even when I’m in a similar faculty position, I could still reach out to her the way she reaches out to her former advisor.”

First-year postdoctoral researcher Marlon Cobos earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at KU. After graduation, Cobos saw Colella’s program as a perfect fit to further his research because her interests align with his and they complement each other’s expertise.

“Originally coming from Ecuador, I was uncertain about what my future would look like here,” Cobos said. “After years of being a part of KU, I feel very fortunate and believe my future has changed for the better. I have had the opportunity to be part of amazing research labs here at KU. All the experiences I have had here have significantly improved me as a researcher and as a person. Much of that improvement is attributed to how my advisors have guided my development and the amazing friendship and support they have provided.”

Rebecca Hawkins, a 2023 KU museum studies and Colella Lab alumna, is now the curatorial associate at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman, Okla. “Being involved in the Colella Lab gave me hands-on experience in collection management,” Hawkins said. “I learned how to collect and process specimens, work on special projects, lead volunteers and respond to pest outbreaks. Dr. Colella provided steady mentorship during my education. She was there when I had questions and needed advice, and she encouraged me to apply for my current job at the Sam Noble Museum. She was also comfortable letting me learn and explore independently through involvement in the mammal collection.”

An example of a special project spearheaded by Hawkins was the development of a publicly accessible key to the mammal skulls of Kansas, an image of which is now available as a poster in the KU Museum of Natural History. “That project taught me how to make research attractive for the public. I photographed the mammal skulls to capture their important features for identification, however, I discovered that the

HELP RESEARCHERS

EXPLORE NEW IDEAS

To support mammal research, visit kuendowment.org/colella

Contact Michael Arp, AVP, Development at 785.832.7410 or marp@kuendowment.org for general research interest.

DANIEL IBAÑEZ IV

Daniel Ibañez IV is a pursuing a Master’s in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. He explored engineering and geography as an undergraduate before a job monitoring pecan trees for a research group set him on a biological science path. He is currently researching bats and viruses with the Colella Lab.

Working with museum collections at KU is an aspect he finds vitally important. Collections allow researchers to return to a specimen multiple times and compare data. With newer technologies, species collected 100 years ago can yield new information. Ibañez also appreciates the people he encounters daily, from students to emeritus faculty and staff.

“I love walking through the museum to get to my office,” he said. “If I have a question, I’ll walk over to the mammal collections and look at the specimens myself. If I can’t get an answer, I’ll go talk to (Curator Emeritus) Bob Timm — the historian of all mammalogy. It’s a special place.”

photographs were also beautiful in their own way — whether it was the tooth pattern on the hispid cotton rat or the boney lattice on the jackrabbit.”

Funding the future

Research projects being conducted in the Colella Lab have solid funding from the National Science Foundation and other grants, but there are areas that would benefit from private support, particularly student researchers and field expeditions. Travel is expensive, and more students could participate with additional resources. Even local fieldwork can be difficult without the proper equipment, such as a truck that can go off-road and across international borders. It is difficult to rent one, so Colella often uses her personal vehicle.

“Opportunities to support student research and fieldwork are number one on my list that would benefit from philanthropy,” she said. “Funding a student over the summer costs about $5,000. This is also the best time to do fieldwork such that lack of funding can limit opportunities.”

Being able to include and train more students would make a big difference for the lab and for future generations of researchers. “Field expeditions really shape the careers and interests of our students by taking them internationally and getting them outside of the classroom working with live animals. Those are experiences you never forget.”

NO LONGER WORLDS APART

TRIO STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM BRINGS TOGETHER

KU AND COSTA RICAN STUDENTS

Before touching down in Costa Rica last May with nine other Jayhawks, KU pre-nursing sophomore and firstgeneration college student Mariana Gomez had only flown in an airplane once. The idea of traveling internationally was scary for the Garden City, Kan., native. But through a nine-day study abroad program offered through KU’s TRIO SES and STEM office, Gomez had the opportunity to explore a new country and her own personal and cultural identities.

The idea for the Developing Global Perspective program came from an established Costa Rica study abroad trip focused on working internationally that Julie Hamel, Ph.D., assistant director for student programming for TRIO, helped lead while at the University Career Center. When she moved to the TRIO office, she wanted to create a study abroad program that would be able to fulfill the unique needs of the students whom the office works with regularly.

TRIO — named to reference the three federal programs established to increase economically disadvantaged students’ access to higher education — is focused on providing a welcoming, supportive and inspiring place for KU students who are firstgeneration, low-income or have a disability or condition for which they have accommodations. “Many of the students we work with don’t see study abroad as an option,” Hamel said.

BY EMILY BECKER

Hamel anticipated needing to help students overcome financial barriers in order to make Developing Global Perspective a success and combined TRIO funding, scholarships from the Study Abroad & Global Engagement office and other funding sources to cover most of the program costs for participants. But, in talking with students, Hamel also realized that the logistics of traveling internationally for the first time were equally as daunting.

BREAKING BOUNDARIES: The Developing Global Perspective trip is tailored to KU TRIO students with limited travel experience and includes a mix of educational and touristic programming, like a visit to a chocolate and coffee farm.

NEW SURROUNDINGS: To prepare students for the many firsts they will experience during the program, including hiking active volcanoes at Irazú Volcano National Park, the group meets beforehand to discuss topics such as how Americans are perceived abroad.

“Certainly, financial issues are a part of why students don’t think they can study abroad, but I think we’ve also seen now there are other, less tangible barriers and hurdles for many of our students,” Hamel said.

Knowing that the program was designed for students like her and a suggestion from her TRIO advisor led Gomez to apply. “My advisor said it was for participants who hadn’t really been abroad to get a feeling of, oh, there’s more to life than just the United States or Kansas,” she said.

Before landing in Costa Rica, students who are selected for the program are required to attend six sessions led by Hamel on KU’s campus to get to know each other and lay the groundwork for their trip.

“What I’ve tried to do with the curriculum is to help them, number one, think about who they are and the influences in their life that are going to impact what they see and what they experience as they travel,” Hamel said.

As part of the curriculum, KU students are matched with peers from the University of Costa Rica — a highlight of the program for Hamel — and they meet online to compare cultural topics and issues relevant to their countries. The groups then spend a morning during the trip presenting their chosen topics in-person to the larger group.

“One of the objectives Julie and I had was to create some sort of class activity that would motivate them to critically think about their societies and analyze not only the other one, but their own,” said Andrea Sánchez Víquez, an English professor at the University of Costa Rica who has worked with Hamel on the program since 2021. “It’s a win-win situation. My students are getting the chance to speak English with a native speaker, and

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS: In addition to visiting popular tourist sites like the La Fortuna waterfall, KU students learn about Costa Rica by meeting and working with local university students.

they’re also being exposed to their peers so they can see what people like them are doing in other geographies.”

This year will be the program’s third trip abroad — the 2020 and 2021 programs were virtual due to the COVID19 pandemic. In addition to visiting with their Costa Rican peers, KU students also travel to several tourist sites in the country, including Irazú Volcano National Park, the Monteverde Cloud Forest and coffee and cacao farms.

“It was surreal; all the places we went to were extremely beautiful,” said Gomez, who also felt she walked away from the trip a more confident and independent traveler.

Hamel said this sentiment is one she’s heard from other participants, but it isn’t the only thing students have reported getting out of the program.

“We’ve had some students say this is the most amazing experience of their life, which is wonderful,” Hamel said. “Students also say, ‘I’ve met more people like me on this trip than I ever have before’ and ‘I had never seen my own identity as clearly as I do now.’ To hear students are seeing themselves differently, you don’t expect that.”

A NEW NARRATIVE FOR BRAIN HEALTH

DONOR SUPPORT FOR THE KU ADRC’S VISION LEADS TO VAST GROWTH POTENTIAL

BY VALERIE GIELER

When you aren’t feeling quite yourself, most people count on being able to quickly see a doctor to discuss symptoms, take a simple test if needed, receive a diagnosis, start treatment and begin to get better. With Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, however, the process is a lot more complicated for many reasons.

Alzheimer’s is quite complex and often requires a variety of methods for diagnosis. These can be costly and time-consuming, potentially including interviews, memory tests, lab tests, a lumbar puncture and brain scans. Other challenges are the sheer number of people needing care — about 175,000 people in Kansas and Missouri and 6 million people nationwide are living with Alzheimer’s — and the limited number of cognitive care specialists available. Combine all this with historically limited options for treatment, and it’s easy to see why researchers and doctors are focused on changing this reality.

Drafting a different story

This is a transformative time in Alzheimer’s treatment and research, and the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (KU ADRC) is an international leader in the effort as one of only 33 centers designated by the National Institute on Aging. The KU ADRC aims to rewrite the narrative on all types of dementia through the center’s Brain Health Care Accelerator initiative led by co-director Dr. Jeff Burns and director Dr. Russ Swerdlow.

Progress based on the KU ADRC’s research efforts and years of work on the Brain Health Care Accelerator are being realized as new technology to detect Alzheimer’s and new treatments for the disease are now available, with more anticipated soon. One of the advances is sophisticated new diagnostic machinery that can identify known biomarkers — a biological molecule that is a sign of a process or a condition or disease — through a simple blood draw that indicates to doctors the likelihood for developing dementia.

“As we age, things change in our bodies and in our brains,” Swerdlow said. “These biomarkers can provide insight into how our brains are aging. They can serve, to some extent, like a crystal ball that allows us to make

BRAIN HEALTH ADVOCATES: KU Alzheimer Disease Research Center director Dr. Russ Swerdlow (right) and co-director Dr. Jeff Burns are bringing access to direct care, research studies and strategies to support brain health to our region.

predictions of how someone’s memory is going to hold up over the next several years and even decades.”

These tests can be run through a regular lab draw in a primary care doctor’s office, making them accessible to many more people and much less expensive than current tests that are available. “We also have new treatments and therapies that can help people with early Alzheimer’s so the importance of early diagnosis is even greater now,” Burns said. “A challenge is that we do not have the number of specialists we need to support and care for the patients who need us, so we have to develop new models of care.”

In essence, the Brain Health Care Accelerator focuses on using the early diagnostic tools as part of regular doctor visits, providing treatments early for people who could benefit from them and keeping the primary care team at the center of the support. It is about positioning the KU ADRC so that as advances occur, these new breakthroughs are able to be implemented more quickly in clinics.

“

We are optimistic because we are attacking Alzheimer’s disease from many different angles in our research, and some of these angles are going to work. We are building on recent advances and moving from disease management to brain health and prevention of disease.”

DR. JEFF BURNS

“With the care accelerator, we’re moving research tests into the clinic a year or two before they’re available anywhere else,” Burns said. “We’re trying to develop a blueprint for how a health system can deploy these new diagnostics and treatments efficiently and get them to all the patients who need them. The next step will be to expand this model out to the Cognitive Care Network we built with physicians throughout Kansas.”

Co-writing and collaboration

Donor support has been essential for moving the Brain Health Care Accelerator forward, funding sophisticated equipment such as the real-time cell metabolic analysis machines, project coordinators, the blood tests that measure the relevant biomarkers and resources for educating care providers. Dick and Jane Bruening, Kay and Steve Wolf, the Ann and Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation and the R & C Charitable Foundation generously contributed to this initiative.

“Philanthropy is always critical to getting something new started,” Burns said. “It’s like a new business where you need seed money so you can take some risks and build up the nucleus of your program. We need to show a program is going to work, some proof of concept to win a grant and then develop the business model to sustain it. None of this is possible without private support, and we are grateful for our donors.”

Kay and Steve Wolf were early supporters of the Brain Health Care Accelerator. Kay became familiar with the work of KU’s Academic Medical Center and the KU ADRC while serving in the Kansas State Legislature from 2005–2017. She is currently a member of the Advancement Board. “I continued my advocacy for KU because I feel like not only are we a world-class Academic Medical Center, but we’re also just so fortunate to have that right here at our doorstep,” Kay said.

When the Wolfs became acquainted with Dr. Jeff Burns, they were immediately impressed by his passion

and enthusiasm and how he is striving to transform brain health care. “He loves his work so much, it makes you love it too,” she said. “Alzheimer’s affects so many people, and Steve and I both felt like maybe we can help because the KU ADRC is on the leading edge of trying to do different things, whether it’s figuring out how to prevent the disease, early detection or new treatments. That’s the reason we got involved.”

They are hopeful for future advances related to brain health and have even participated in research studies. Kay is most excited about the ability for biomarkers to help predict if a person is at high risk for getting the disease early enough to allow for interventions that slow its progression. “I believe Alzheimer’s disease numbers are only going to grow. Steve and I feel very committed to helping the world with this concern,” Kay said. “We are so fortunate to have all the talented KU staff involved with Alzheimer’s research and the Brain Health Care Accelerator. We are proud to be involved, and we hope we make just one little difference.”

Dick and Jane Bruening have been supporters of health care programs all their adult lives. The couple became acquainted with the KU ADRC when it was determined Dick had mild cognitive impairment.

“Being involved with a top researcher such as Dr. Burns and the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center has helped improve our quality of life because we’ve been able to incorporate prevention strategies such as exercise, proper eating, social activities and reading and writing,” Jane said.

LATEST TECHNOLOGY: Real-time cell metabolic analysis machines provided through philanthropy are key to advancing research in the lab of Jill Morris, Ph.D., assistant director of the KU ADRC Biomarker Core and director of the Developmental Projects Program. Paul Kueck, clinical research coordinator, demonstrates how samples are placed into the machine for analysis.

They created the Richard and Jane Bruening Health Care Accelerator Fund to further the center’s work and are hopeful for future advances. “There’s a current real need for brain health care,” Jane said. “We see so many people and good friends who have dementia now. We think the Brain Health Care Accelerator is the best place to invest our support because more research and education are what will have the largest impact.”

Creating the next chapter

“The National Institutes of Health funds us to hit singles. Private support allows us to swing for the fences. We can strike out, and many times we do. But every now and then, we hit a home run.”

DR. RUSS SWERDLOW

The KU ADRC’s Brain Health Care Accelerator and status as an international leader in the field is positioning them to compete for prestigious external grants. They are starting the program in the immediate area surrounding the center and have future plans to extend it throughout the state of Kansas through the KU ADRC’s Cognitive Care Network. “The outcome of the Brain Health Care Accelerator is that the number of people we will be able to help will expand exponentially in the long term,” Burns said.

The overwhelming feeling at the KU ADRC is optimism. Much has changed in the past 10 years, with new diagnostic capabilities, numerous ongoing clinical trials and treatment options. “We’re moving from disease management to promoting brain health and prevention,” Burns said. “We can see Alzheimer’s-related changes in people 10 to 20 years before the onset of memory problems. We have ongoing trials where we’re testing new therapies with those individuals to see if we can delay or prevent the disease. That’s the future.”

Burns and Swerdlow will continue working toward a cure for Alzheimer’s, but in the meantime, they are encouraged by the momentum.

“When the reasons for solving a problem become compelling enough and the effort and resources are brought to bear, that leads to solutions,” Swerdlow said. “When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, the problem has become large enough and the will to solve it is here. Real progress is being made, and we’re proud that KU is leading the way in this effort.”

HELP WRITE A NEW STORY FOR BRAIN HEALTH

To support the Brain Health Care Accelerator and research at the KU ADRC, contact Celeste Greenlee, Development Director, Neurosciences at 913.562.2702 or cgreenlee@kuendowment.org.

SIX HABITS FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Keep learning — try something new to stretch your mind.

Get moving — aim for 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. Stay connected — visit with friends and family to stimulate your brain.

Manage stress — make time for mental well-being.

Eat well — focus on fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry.

Sleep tight — rest is essential to give your brain some time off.

WHAT’S IN YOUR

BACKPACK?

“MY ACTING BOOK,” SAID JORDAN NEVELS, a KU senior and theatre performance major.

“Over the past four years, I have written down all my acting notes in here. It’s like a foundation for me.” Nevels made the book in a high school art class, but only started using it for her theatre notes in her freshman year of college. Having been a dancer throughout middle school and then a cheerleader in high school, Nevels’ acting journey really took form after heading to college. “I have always loved the performance aspect of cheer, and theatre is something I love and admire, too, so I figured I’d start pursuing that,” she said.

For Jordan, theatre is not merely a form of entertainment but a powerful means of storytelling. “I love the connection between me and the audience and telling those stories where people are able to feel seen and connect with the characters I’m playing and the stories I portray,” she said. “Theatre people are so vulnerable, and it is great to be inspired by them and see how the audience relates.”

As a graduating senior, Nevels shared how much she cherishes the bonds forged with other students. “My favorite memories are meeting all my best friends,” Nevels said. “I’m a big ‘people person,’ and it has been great to connect with them on such a deep level. I know I’ll have these relationships for the rest of my life.”

Reflecting on her time as a Jayhawk, Nevels shared how scholarships have allowed for peace of mind in school. “I don’t have to worry about my journey, and I have been able to use what I learn in my classes in rehearsals and on set,” she said.

“I know I am set up for the opportunities I have been given after college.”

As she takes the next step in her career, Nevels looks to constantly develop and improve her craft. “I have tons of empty pages in my acting book, and that is intentional for me because I want to continue to learn and grow as an artist.”

MAX M c ELROY

WHAT’S IN YOUR BRIEFCASE?

“THE REVO CNC MACHINE,” SAID SUNYOUNG CHEONG, Mary Fischer Traver Professor of Metalsmithing and Jewelry. The machine, donated in 2010 by Sandy and Chuck Garrett, transformed the design process for Cheong and her students. “This was the first steppingstone in adopting digital technology in a traditional studio setting, and it changed my life as an artist and educator,” she said.

While growing up in South Korea, professor Cheong fell in love with the uniqueness of metalsmithing and the way it allows for selfexpression. “I found out that art is a different language I could use to communicate and connect with other people,” she said. “The processes and materials I use have an emotional value that expresses myself as an artist.”

The support from Cheong’s professorship contributes to her career advancement and artistic freedom. “It allows me to pursue my research interests and teaching methods according to my own expertise,” Cheong said. “This independence

promotes my creativity and innovation in research.” Throughout her time at KU, Cheong has released several collections, and her work has been featured in magazines and in national and international exhibits.

Cheong also finds tremendous fulfillment in guiding her students. “I believe every student has potential, and I love to see them improving their learning and becoming an artist. I want them to be successful in their future careers,” she said. “I am teaching in the classroom where I took my first jewelry class. I remember how I struggled to learn new things and how I often made mistakes.”

Embracing change and having a vision for the future are important to her work and her instruction to students. “Adapting and teaching technology is fundamental for the future, and visual art is no exception,” Cheong said. “We appreciate our donors and look for continued financial support so we can stay ahead of the game and prepare for the next generation.”

CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

ALUMNI HONOR LONGTIME KU LIBRARIES ADMINISTRATOR

Cliff and Sue Haka are very appreciative of the education and mentoring they received as students at KU. More than 35 years after Cliff worked at Watson Library and Sue received her Ph.D., they have made a gift to honor the late James Ranz, dean of KU Libraries from 1975 to 1990. The gift supported the naming of the Dean James Ranz Administrative Suite, which houses much of KU Libraries leadership team. Ranz’s influence on Cliff prepared him to successfully lead Michigan State University Libraries for more than two decades. Sue was a Distinguished Professor of Accounting at Michigan State and elected president of the American Accounting Association. “We are grateful that Cliff and Sue kept KU Libraries in their hearts long after they moved on to great career endeavors and achievements,” said Carol Smith, dean of KU Libraries.

NEW KU BOOKSTORE CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS STUDENTS

A new initiative at the KU Bookstore seeks to alleviate financial barriers for students by providing essential resources such as textbooks and supplies. The Carroll Edwards KU Bookstore Student Course Materials Fund presents a unique opportunity for the Jayhawk community to contribute to student success. An anonymous donor created the fund in memory of KU professor Carroll Edwards and has made a generous pledge to match funds up to $50,000, so gifts will have double the impact. There are two ways to support the campaign. Shop at the KU Bookstore and round up your purchase to the nearest dollar amount or make a tax-deductible donation by visiting kuendowment.org/cedwardsbook

BRIAN McCLENDON NAMED NATIONAL ACADEMY OF INVENTORS FELLOW

Brian McClendon, Google Earth creator and KU research professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, was named among the 162 academic inventors in the National Academy of Inventors 2023 Class of Fellows. Election as a fellow is the highest professional distinction awarded exclusively to inventors. McClendon received his bachelor’s in electrical engineering from KU in 1986 and holds 40 patents. Fellows are exceptional researchers and innovators known for the societal and economic impact of their inventions, contributing to major advancements in science and consumer technologies. McClendon is the sixth faculty member to be named a fellow while at KU, joining Mark Shiflett, Cory Berkland, Raghunath Chaudhari, Val Stella and Bala Subramaniam.

KELLY MATSUNAGA RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS NSF AWARD

Kelly Matsunaga, Thomas N. Taylor Assistant Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and assistant curator of paleobotany, has been recognized with a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation. Matsunaga and her research team will study how conifers, which include pines, junipers and redwoods, have evolved during the last 300 million years. The five-year, $946,000 grant will allow the College to offer a new course in plant anatomy and development and create additional research opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. A new exhibit in the KU Natural History Museum will also be developed based on this research. The award is the NSF’s most prominent award for early-career faculty.

ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS BUILD SHADE STRUCTURE FOR LAWRENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A KU architecture class partnered with Lawrence’s Hillcrest Elementary School to construct a shade structure on one of the first fully accessible playgrounds in Kansas. Students in professor Keith Van de Riet’s design-build studio course created an 800-square foot pavilion and accompanying rain garden at the Ryan Gray Playground for All. The third-year architecture majors had only four months for construction and installation, which was completed in December. The playground, which opened in 1993, honors Ryan Gray, a former Hillcrest student with disabilities who was a good luck charm for the 1988 KU men’s basketball national championship team. Gray died in 1990. The playground was renovated in 2016 and at the time was considered the first fully accessible playground in the state.

LANDON CENTER ON AGING EXAMINES HOW TO FALL SAFELY

Researchers at the Landon Center on Aging at KU Medical Center are recruiting volunteers to fall on demand to understand the best ways for older people to take a tumble without sustaining serious injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in adults aged 65 and older. While it’s impossible to prevent every fall in the real world, Jacob Sosnoff, Ph.D., associate dean for research at KU School of Health Professions, and his team are discovering techniques to teach those at risk to fall safely. More than 14 million older adults report falling each year, and about 37% of those injuries require medical treatment.

DONORS GIVE MORE THAN $2.6 MILLION ON ONE DAY. ONE KU. TO FUEL THE NEXT BIG IDEA

The seventh annual One Day. One KU. 24-hour day of giving on March 6 underscored the collective impact of Jayhawks around the globe coming together to support the University of Kansas community. Under the inspiring theme of “the next BIG IDEA starts here,” a total of $2,610,624 from 5,031 gifts was raised. These contributions, which ranged from $5 to $250,000, will support learning, discovery and community outreach for students, faculty and staff across all five KU campuses, affiliates and The University of Kansas Health System. More than 3,700 donors from all 50 states and 11 countries united on this year’s giving day.

“We are so grateful to the many donors who shared their passion for the university on this year’s giving day and inspired others to join in support of KU,” said KU Endowment President Dan Martin.

KU RESEARCH IS BREAKING RECORDS

Research funding at the University of Kansas surged by more than 20% in 2023, hitting a high of $368.6 million. This means additional opportunities for faculty and students to be engaged in discovery that benefits Kansans and our society. Last year alone, externally funded research at KU supported the salaries of 4,372 people, and the university spent $78.9 million in 97 Kansas counties on research-related goods and services, according to a report from the Institute for Research on Innovation & Science

A REMARKABLE GIFT FOR THE GATEWAY DISTRICT

BRAD GARLINGHOUSE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROUD AND PASSIONATE JAYHAWK. The Topeka, Kan., native was voted student body president while attending KU and as an alumnus, created Tech Trek, a program to introduce Jayhawks to careers in Silicon Valley, and powered the Alumni Association’s Jayhawk Career Network. His tremendous support and enthusiasm for KU is second to none.

After investing in the university for decades, Garlinghouse affirmed his legacy at KU with an extraordinary $35 million gift commitment to support the Gateway District. Announced in October 2023 by Chancellor Douglas A. Girod and KU Athletics Director Travis Goff, the ambitious project will transform David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and the northeast corner of the Lawrence campus.

“Brad has a special love for the University of Kansas and Kansas Athletics, and we are so humbled by his continued generosity and his desire to help lead the way on a project that is as critical as anything touching our university right now,” Goff said.

The reimagined football stadium will be part of a state-of-the-art conference center and multiuse development complex, featuring first-rate amenities and a fan experience unlike any ever encountered at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

“We are grateful for Brad’s continued investment in the University of Kansas,” Girod said. “His leadership commitment to the Gateway District represents a new generation of donors who recognize the impact this project will have on the university and region.”

Garlinghouse has supported numerous programs across campus and currently serves on the steering committee for Ever Onward, the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign that launched in 2023.

“I couldn’t be more proud to have attended the University of Kansas,” Garlinghouse said. “It is an honor to partner with Kansas Athletics to enrich the future of this place that did so much for me. I hope others feel compelled to do the same.”

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

IF YOU’VE RECENTLY EXCHANGED TEXTS WITH KU ENDOWMENT regarding an upcoming event, watched a video update about your school or engaged in a conversation with a staff member about your cherished campus memories and upcoming volunteer opportunities, it’s likely you’ve connected with one of our Donor Engagement Officers.

Our Donor Engagement Officers all have one thing in common: we are “people people” who truly enjoy interacting with University of Kansas alumni and friends. On average, each officer reaches out 30 to 50 times a day to share news about discoveries, student and faculty activities, exciting initiatives and updates about what is going on at KU’s five campuses. Each message is a unique, one-on-one conversation, tailored for every recipient. We want to personally connect

with each KU community member to truly learn what is important to you. Our goal is to consistently reach out with information and opportunities about the university that are compelling and relevant.

This means our officers are expert generalists who know a little bit about all areas of the university, and we are thrilled to talk KU with you. We can answer questions about the largest freshman class in history, new deans in engineering and nursing, how the sports teams are doing this spring, exciting research breakthroughs, what new construction projects are underway and so much more. So, the next time you see a message from Alyssa, Brian, Gail, Steve or Juan Pablo, that’s us — and we’re excited to get to know you!

BRIAN SUSSMAN

OUR DONOR ENGAGEMENT OFFICERS AT WORK As of April 1, 2024

6,995 emails this year 889 texts this year 364 virtual meetings

REPRESENT:

• 5 KU campuses

• The University of Kansas Health System

14,844 total touch points

• 14 academic schools

$2 million+ raised this year

• 400+ degree and certificate programs

Connect with Jayhawks across the U.S. and in 5 countries

JAYHAWK GIVES BACK TO SUPPORT STUDENT DREAMS

AS A YOUNG PERSON GROWING UP IN A SMALL SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS TOWN, Carole Jackson Moreno dreamed of “bigger things,” but didn’t always have access to the resources to make them become reality. Today, she is helping other Jayhawks’ dreams come true by creating opportunities for generations of students facing similar challenges.

Moreno, the first in her family to graduate from a four-year university, was raised in Fredonia, a town with a smaller population than KU’s current freshman class of 5,259. She loved the small-town life of her adolescence but credits KU as opening her eyes to the world. She still believes this more than 45 years after graduating from the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC School).

“I was so excited to be able to come to KU,” Moreno said. “My brother and I talked about how in our small town, nobody else went to KU, and it was a very big deal to come here. I was thrilled to become a Jayhawk and to be a Jayhawk for the rest of my life.”

Corbin Residence Hall on the Lawrence campus quickly became Moreno’s new home. She joined Gamma Phi Beta and the Spirit Squad, an experience that gave Moreno some of her fondest KU memories. She also recalls being “giddy with excitement” after giving her final campaigns class presentation during her senior year.

“My education means everything to me,” she said. “I love the fact that I graduated from college and from this university. I’m very, very proud of that.”

This understanding is one reason Moreno and her husband, Arte, have supported KU’s JMC School since 2004. This includes giving to the Eudora Times, the student-run local news outlet of Eudora, Kan., a nod to Moreno’s mother who was the social columnist at the Fredonia Daily Herald, and a recent donation that will fund renovations to the student resource center in Stauffer-Flint Hall. Named in Moreno’s honor, the center will bring student advisors together in one location and provide cameras, microphones and other digital production devices for students to check out at no cost as well as upgrading the space to be more accessible.

“We didn’t come from a family of means, and so, there were a lot of people who guided and helped me along the way,” Moreno said. “It truly means so much to me to be able to give back. I feel lucky to be able to help this group of students. I really feel I receive more than I give.”

EMILY BECKER

BANNER SUPPORT: Now living in Arizona, KU JMC School alumna Carole Jackson Moreno and her husband, Arte, are bringing much-needed renovations and new resources to Jayhawk Journalists.

HONORING 100 YEARS OF KU THEATRE & DANCE

FOR A CENTURY, THE DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE has been at the heart of KU’s artistic landscape, putting on more than 1,000 productions. From the stages of Lawrence to international venues spanning 11 countries, their productions have left a prominent mark on audiences worldwide.

“KU is one of the oldest and most distinguished public university theatre programs in the country,” said Henry Bial, professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. “We’ve come a long way since 1923–1924, when the department’s first plays were staged at the Bowersock Opera House (now Liberty Hall) and the old Lawrence High School building (now Liberty Memorial Central Middle School).”

Looking ahead to the next 100 years, the department has launched the KU Theatre & Dance Centennial Production Fund, a bold initiative designed to ensure the program’s sustainability for generations to come. “Today, we are more aware than ever of the importance of live performance, but the economic effects of the past few years continue to ripple across the industry,” Bial said. “Gifts to this fund will allow the

department to present challenging new plays, offer workshops with industry professionals, provide state-of-the-art equipment and enrich the creative experience.”

The KU Theatre & Dance Centennial Production Fund preserves the great legacy of the past and propels KU forward into the next 100 years. “This launch provides an opportunity to celebrate and honor the rich history of theatre at KU,” Bial said.

MAX M c ELROY

ARTS IN ACTION: University Dance Company students conduct a tech stage rehearsal of “Voices.”

ON STAGE: KU Theatre students perform “Metamorphoses” in the William Inge Memorial Theatre.