The following message was sent March 24 to alumni and friends registered for the 2020 Rock Chalk Ball. 

Dear Jayhawk,

Thank you for generously purchasing tickets and/or hosting a table for the KU Alumni Association’s 25th annual Rock Chalk Ball scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at the LEX event space in downtown Kansas City.

Unfortunately, the Association must cancel the event. As I shared in my March 13 message to all alumni, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic prevents us from gathering as a Jayhawk family. The Association has canceled all in-person events through May 12, in coordination with the University of Kansas and following the guidance of public health officials.

In addition to gathering Jayhawks to celebrate KU, proceeds from the Rock Chalk Ball allow us to make investments to strengthen the University of Kansas, connect a global network of Jayhawks, and sustain a strong, vibrant alumni association.

As we explore options for uniting Jayhawks online through a virtual event, we ask you that you choose one of the following options for your ticket and/or table purchase and send your request to Michelle Lang at michellem@kualumni.org.

1. Request a full refund of your purchase

2. Donate your purchase as a 100% tax-deductible gift to sustain the Association’s efforts to strengthen the University, including the Jayhawk Career Network, Student Alumni Network, Advocacy, Outreach in Kansas, and student recruitment

3. Forward your purchase as your reservation for the 2021 Rock Chalk Ball

If you have not submitted payment at this time, you do not need to reach out to Michelle. We appreciate your interest and hope you will join us next year.

As the Association’s senior staff team continues to work with the national Board of Directors and the Kansas City Network Board to determine next steps, we will post new information at rockchalkball.org and on our social media channels. Additional information on the KU community’s responses to the pandemic can be found at kualumni.org/coronavirus and coronavirus.ku.edu.

We deeply appreciate your KU loyalty, and we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones at this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Heath Peterson
President