Jayhawks Belong

Together We Rise

At the KU Alumni Association, our impact is only as great as our diversity. This is realized through our values in how we Appreciate the Unique. We believe our differences are strengths, all humanity has value and all Jayhawk belong. We are committed to cultivating an Association that models inclusion and respect. We celebrate and support the rich tapestry that makes our Jayhawk community uniquely ours.

Inclusive Excellence

The University of Kansas Alumni Association is proud to receive the 2024 Alumni Association Inclusive Excellence Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.

The award honors alumni association programs, culture and initiatives that encourage and support diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging for all alumni, regardless of racial or ethnic background, sexual or gender identity, religion, socio-economic status, world view and more.

Jayhawks Belong Videos

Episode 1

Appreciate the Unique

The KU Alumni Association is proud to represent and support our global network of Jayhawks worldwide by celebrating and promoting our diversity: a rich tapestry of what makes us unique. 

Episode 2

Cultivate the Core

The KU Alumni Association is committed to cultivating leadership through inclusion and diversity. We recognize the value of ideas provided from a multitude of life experiences and backgrounds, understanding the limitless possibilities when all are welcome and heard.

Episode 3

Fuel the Future

The mission of the KU Alumni Association is to lead with a commitment to inclusion, nurturing a sense of belonging within our community. We bravely reimagine the future together and boldly innovate to continue raising the standard for Jayhawk Excellence.

Affinity Networks

Our affinity networks are a collection of alumni connected by shared identities, experiences and backgrounds. These networks provide an avenue for alumni to sustain their connections and build community through the KU Alumni Association.

International
KU Veterans Alumni Network
International
KU Black Alumni Network
International
KU Hispanic Alumni Network
Kansas
Endacott Society Network
Don’t See a Network? Get in Touch to Learn More About Starting One!

Jayhawk Mentorship

The importance of mentoring for personal and professional growth is well established across many realms, including higher education.  Mentors play especially critical roles in helping historically marginalized students gain access to colleges—and adjust and thrive in these new environments.

The KU Alumni Assocation believes alumni mentors are vital to the success of our current Jayhawks. 

Jayhawk Mentorship

The importance of mentoring for personal and professional growth is well established across many realms, including higher education.  Mentors play especially critical roles in helping historically marginalized students gain access to colleges—and adjust and thrive in these new environments.

Make A Difference

The KU Alumni Assocation believes alumni mentors are vital to the success of our current Jayhawks. 

 

By leveraging their KU education, professional experiences and established networks, alumni can help our current Jayhawks:

 

  • navigate KU
  • connect with professionals
  • find opportunities
  • and build social capital.

Jayhawk alumni mentors give back to the University with the gifts of time, experience and expertise. 

 

Create a free profile on KU Mentoring+, become an alumni mentor today—and make a difference in the lives of our students.

KU Mentoring+ Affinity Groups

  • Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Jayhawks
  • Exploratory Pathways Students
  • Jayhawks in Advertising, PR & Marketing
  • Jayhawks in Banking & Finance
  • Jayhawks in Business
  • Jayhawks in Design & Architecture
  • Jayhawks in Entrepreneurship
  • Jayhawks in Government
  • Jayhawks in Higher Education
  • Jayhawks in Journalism & Media
  • Jayhawks in Movies, TV & Music
  • Jayhawks in Nonprofit
  • Jayhawks in Performing & Fine Arts
  • Jayhawks in Professional Selling
  • Jayhawks in Sport
  • Jayhawks in Tech
  • Jewish Jayhawks
  • KU Alumni Volunteers
  • KU Black Alumni Network
  • KU Edwards IMC Graduate Program Alumni
  • KU Staff Senate Mentor Program
  • KU Student Senate
  • KU Women Engineers Network
  • Latinx & Hispanic KU Community
  • LGBTQIA+ Jayhawks
  • MPA Network for MPA Students & Alumni
  • Occupational Therapy Networking Group
  • SELF Program Fellows and Alumni
  • University Honors Program
Jayhawk Stories
News
Kyou Networking Week creates career connections

The 6th annual Kyou Networking Week brought hundreds of alumni together to make connections with Jayhawks in their network.

Jayhawk Stories
Career
Copy the Leader: Tonya Cole

Tonya Cole, '95 is the Administrator of School Operations and Enrichment Programs at an elementary school in Atlanta, GA. We sat down with Tonya to learn what leadership means to her.

Jayhawk Stories
Campus
KU sets all-time marks for freshman class size, overall enrollment

KU has its largest freshman class and its highest overall enrollment in history, according to annual data released today.

Jayhawk Stories
Career
Get connected at Kyou Networking Week

Connect with Jayhawks locally and around the globe with career-focused events Oct. 7-12!

Jayhawk Stories
Homecoming
KU Homecoming to feature community service, Jayhawk awards

The KU Alumni Association has organized a series of service events that aim to assist the campus community as well as extend the Homecoming spirit of Jayhawk unity and goodwill beyond Lawrence.

Jayhawk Stories
Awards
Alumni Association honors two recipients of Fred Ellsworth Medallion

Brad Korell, l’97, and Tom Wiggans, p’75, will be honored Sept. 12 at the Jayhawk Welcome Center in conjunction with the fall meeting of the Association’s national board of directors.

We Want to Hear From You

Your Jayhawk journey is uniquely yours. Storytelling connects us, helps us better understand the world around us and can inspire us to drive change. Share alumni stories we should know about, including your own.

Resources & Tools

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at the University of Kansas offers educational resources and upcoming events.

Contact Us for More Information

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Mykala Sandifer
Associate Vice President of University Relations, Talent & Inclusion

Welcome to the University
of Kansas Alumni Association

Your membership in the KU Alumni Association is the single most powerful way to make all of KU stronger, including the value of your own degree. Through your membership, the Association: