KU Alumni A Association

KU, Alumni Association open Jayhawk Welcome Center
The new Jayhawk Welcome Center is now open for campus tours by prospective students and their families.

LAWRENCE — The new Jayhawk Welcome Center, a dynamic and inviting space that represents a new era in student recruitment for the University of Kansas, is now open for campus tours by prospective students and their families — as well as events and programs for current students, returning alumni and the KU and Lawrence communities.

 

The building is attached to the dramatically renovated Adams Alumni Center, home of the KU Alumni Association, at 1266 Oread Ave., the entrance to historic Jayhawk Boulevard on KU’s Lawrence campus.

 

“The Jayhawk Welcome Center helps KU create a campus visit that no other university can match,” said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. “Through our state-of-the-art video displays, prospective students can experience many aspects of KU life that they would not see on an ordinary campus tour. They also can see stories highlighting the research and innovations of our faculty and students, along with the achievements and service of Jayhawks around the world. The entire experience powerfully conveys what it means to be a Jayhawk.”

 
Funded entirely through private gifts to KU Endowment, the $29.4 million project includes 30,000 square feet of new space that will house 25 members of the KU Admissions staff. Alumni Association staff members have returned to their offices on the third floor of the renovated Adams Center, which since 1983 has served as the alumni association’s headquarters.
 

Both structures feature breathtaking views of Mount Oread and exhibits, including a two-story video board and a 360-degree virtual experience that transports visitors to classrooms, campus events, laboratories, Allen Fieldhouse and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

 

The complex also includes varied spaces for KU and community events and meetings, along with dedicated space for current student leaders on the Student Alumni Endowment Board and retired KU faculty and staff who are members of the Endacott Society.

 

“With the collaboration of university leaders, KU Endowment, alumni donors and Jayhawk-led corporations, we set out to create a home that would unite Jayhawks past, present and future and help the university achieve its enrollment goals in a highly competitive arena,” said Heath Peterson, Alumni Association president. “We’re truly grateful for all those who shared our vision and provided the leadership and resources to make this project a reality after years of planning.”

 

The KU Admissions team began hosting tours for prospective students and families on Feb. 13, and early reviews have been positive, according to Lisa Pinamonti Kress, assistant vice provost and director of undergraduate admissions. “The comments from students and families confirm that the Jayhawk Welcome Center provides an amazing first impression,” she said. “It has been fun to watch the students react as they see their names on the amazing welcome board and walk through the digital exhibits before they tour our beautiful campus. We are confident that the welcome center will enhance our recruitment of future Jayhawks.”

 

For more information on the Jayhawk Welcome Center, including space reservations, visit kualumni.org/jayhawk-welcome-center.

More Headlines

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.

Career
Copy the Leader: Reggie Mitchell

Reggie Mitchell, c'09, is an accountant at KU. We sat down with Reggie to learn what leadership means to him.

Giving
KU Alumni Association Creates Lifelong Connections and Prepares Future Leaders

KU students like Shayslyne Campos make meaningful connections every day thanks to KU Alumni programs like the Student Alumni Network and KU Mentoring+.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: Towering Toward the Blue

KU has a new brand! Learn how "Towering Toward the Blue" can shape the future of KU on this episode of Driving with Jayhawks.

Jayhawks For Higher Education
Encourage legislators to invest in higher education

KU is asking the Legislature for stable base funding to enable KU to keep tuition steady for students and parents, and to ensure students have the support services they need to succeed.

Career
Copy the Leader: Sarah Frazier

Sarah Frazier, j'94 g'24, manages operations for six radio stations in Houston. We sat down with Sarah to learn what leadership means to her.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: KU Hispanic Alumni Network

Learn about the new KU Hispanic Alumni Network and the group's origins, goals and future on this episode of Driving with Jayhawks!

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: