When the Association appealed to chapter leaders to boost membership
figures, the KU Black Alumni and Austin Chapters answered the call. The
Black Alumni Chapter led chapters of more than 2,000 members in percentage
growth and new members gained during the Jayhawk Nation Chapter Challenge
campaign. The Austin Chapter followed suit, leading in percentage growth and
new members among chapters with fewer than 2,000 members.

Luke Bobo, e’82, president of the Black Alumni Chapter, says, “It is our job
as informed members to educate others about the Association’s programs that
strengthen KU.”

Brad Korell, l’97, Austin chapter leader, says his group has “really made a
concentrated effort to make sure that legacy students are aware of the great
opportunities at KU. Our chapter is dynamic and unique in a way because we
have other Big 12 schools in fairly close proximity. This allows us to have
a presence at many athletic and academic events.”

Both volunteers are committed to staying involved and giving back to KU through
their participation and leadership in planning new programs. Korell also
serves on the National Board of Directors for the Association.

“We really want to serve as role models and examples for those students
still currently enrolled—as well as younger alumni,” Bobo says. “We want to
show them it is important to not only strengthen the University that has
given us all so much, but to also to serve our fellow alumni and create a
deeper sense of unity within the KU community.”

Although the Jayhawk Nation Chapter Challenge has concluded, the Paint the
State KU Blue membership campaign in Kansas continues, along with Kansas
City’s effort—A Whole New Chapter: A Campaign for Kansas City. Please click
here if you would like to join or know more about the Association’s
membership campaigns.