Alumni Associations

A Message from the KU Alumni Assoc.
As Jayhawks, we abhor acts of racism and violence. The senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others far too many.
ALUMNI, HOMEPAGE NEWS, JAYHAWKS FOR HIGHER ED

The KU Alumni Association shared the following message on June 2, 2020.

 

As Jayhawks, we abhor acts of racism and violence. The senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others far too many to name, are painful reminders of the bigotry and injustice that still plague our nation—even as our communities cope with a pandemic that has starkly emphasized the inequities in our health care system and our economy. The KU Alumni Association remains steadfast in our commitment to unite all Jayhawks and strengthen the University of Kansas. Our university and the City of Lawrence were founded by citizens who believed in the freedom of all and the power of education and, for 155 years, many students have come to KU to because of the Jayhawk’s proud history and the ideals the Jayhawk represents.

 

We ask all Jayhawks to reflect, consider and act on how we can be a part of the solution and not perpetrate, either directly or indirectly, the problems. Dr. Martin Luther King, in his letters from the Birmingham jail, stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” He added, “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

 

Mr. Floyd’s brother, Terrance Floyd, spoke powerful words yesterday about his pain and the fact no one could suffer more pain than his at this moment. He also emphasized that violence does not support his brother’s memory. He went on to talk about the importance of being part of the solution.

 

Jayhawks have always been part of the solution. With our actions, the KU Alumni leadership team will work with the University community to move forward and achieve genuine change. We must continue to be part of the solution, even after the painful memories of these events are no longer fresh in our minds or at the top of news feeds.

 

The Association pledges to do all that we can to uphold these ideals.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dave Roland, e’80
National Chair, Board of Directors

 

Tamara Huff-Johnson, c’12
President, Black Alumni Network

 

Heath Peterson, d’04, g’09
President, KU Alumni Association

 

Additional KU resources

More Headlines

Career
Copy the Leader: Jessica Sheahon

Jessica Sheahon, b'12 g'13, works in Asset Management in New York City. We sat down with Jessica to learn what leadership means to her.

Jayhawks Give Back
From Campus to the Colorado Rockies: A Jayhawk’s Lifelong Commitment to Giving Back

After decades of leadership at KU, Diane Goddard carried her passion for service into retirement—this time, among the peaks of the Colorado Rockies and beyond.

Career
Copy the Leader: Laura O'Neill

Laura O'Neill works in Public Relations in New York City. We sat down with Laura to learn what leadership means to her.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: School of Business centennial

Kristen Helling from the KU School of Business discusses the school's 100th anniversary celebration.

Career
Copy the Leader: Austin Harris

Austin Harris is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the KU Alumni Association. We sat down with Austin to learn what leadership means to him.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: Sexual Assault Prevention Month

Taylor Jones from the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention Education Center joins Driving with Jayhawks.

Career
Copy the Leader: Jonathan Ng

Jonathan Ng, c'03 j'03, is a foreign service lawyer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) currently posted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We sat down with Jonathan to learn what leadership means to him.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: Oread Angel Investors

Jayhawks investing in Jayhawks: The Oread Angel Investors network is supporting high-growth startups associated with KU. Learn more on this episode of Driving with Jayhawks!

Jayhawks Give Back
Finding Their Place: How Sarah Coury and Hawk Link Help KU Students Succeed

Sarah Coury and Hawk Link help students navigate the challenges of their first year and beyond, ensuring they access the support and resources needed to succeed.

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: