Jayhawks to invade Statehouse this month

KU will be inside the Capitol this month when about 20 academic and administrative units from Mount Oread gather in the Topeka rotunda to inform legislators, their staff and Statehouse visitors about the benefits KU provides across the state.

"KU in the Capitol," slated for 9 a.m. and 3 p.m March 18, will highlight KU's many dimensions, including outreach efforts and KU's effect on all Kansans.

"This is another way for KU to tell our story about the importance of the university and its economic impact on the state of Kansas," said Kevin Boatright, interim executive vice chancellor for university relations. "We look forward to meeting with policy-makers and other state officials."

This is the first time the university has embarked on this kind of university wide, coordinated effort in the Capitol. Organizers hope to repeat the program next year and include additional units in future events.

The event is being organized by the State Funding Team of the KU Marketing Council, a university wide effort coordinated by the executive vice chancellor for university relations' office. The Marketing Council is developing an integrated marketing communications plan for KU.

* On March 10, members of KU's Unclassified Professional Staff Association, which represents about 1,800 KU employees, also will visit key legislators to increase awareness of unclassified staff contributions and stress the need for support of higher education