“Hawks & Highways” events to bring University of Kansas to communities statewide

LAWRENCE—The University of Kansas Alumni Association and Kansas Athletics are coordinating “Hawks & Highways,” a multi-year effort to host KU events in communities throughout Kansas. The series will begin with eight events in June and will include other schools and departments at KU.
 
Plans are underway for October events in Dodge City, Great Bend, Liberal and Winfield, as well as the traditional “KU Kickoff ” celebrations in August in Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka and Lawrence. Details for all events in the ongoing series can be found by visiting KU Alumni Association.
 
The initiative supports Chancellor Douglas A. Girod’s goal to continue strengthening outreach throughout the state. “KU’s mission includes building healthy communities throughout Kansas,” said Girod. “Hawks and Highways is a terrific opportunity for us to visit with Kansans and hear their ideas about how the University can better serve the state.”
 
“More than 150,000 KU graduates and former students live in Kansas,” said Heath Peterson, KU Alumni Association president. “It’s a priority for us to connect with these Jayhawks in their communities to show our appreciation for their dedication and support.”
 
“We must continue to reach out and engage with our shareholders in their own backyard,” said KU Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger. “Hawks and Highways is a committed effort to join with our campus partners, as we are all one KU.”
 
Chancellor Girod and KU men’s basketball coach Bill Self are scheduled to attend the KU Alumni Invitational in Hutchinson and a dinner June 25 in Salina. KU football coach David Beaty and Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Reggie Robinson will attend two June 14 events: lunch in Garden City and dinner in Pittsburg.
 
To make reservations, visit KU Alumni Association.
 
Wednesday, June 6
Lunch in Leavenworth
11:30 a.m., Grinders High Noon Saloon & Brewery, 206 Choctaw St.
 
Happy Hour in McPherson
5 to 7 p.m., Delish, 204 N. Main St.
 
Thursday, June 7
Happy Hour and Golf in Hays
10 a.m., Smoky Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall Street
5 to 7 p.m., Golden-Q, 809 Ash St.
 
Friday, June 8
Lunch in Manhattan
11:30 a.m., Tallgrass Tap House, 320 Poyntz Ave.
 
Thursday, June 14
Lunch in Garden City with Coach David Beaty and Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Reggie Robinson
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Southwind, 77 Grandview Dr.
 
Dinner in Pittsburg with Coach David Beaty and Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Reggie Robinson
5 to 7 p.m., Crestwood Country Club, 304 W. Crestview Ave.
 
Monday, June 25
Dinner in Salina with Chancellor Girod and Coach Bill Self
5 p.m., 638, 638 Francis Ave.
 
KU Alumni Invitational in Hutchinson with Chancellor Girod and Coach Bill Self
Prairie Dunes Country Club, 4812 E. 30th Ave.
SOLD OUT