A Note from Heath

Despite the unprecedented challenges we all face, the Association team remains unwavering in our commitment to the KU family, and we will continue exploring new opportunities to unite Jayhawks virtually while upholding the in-person connections and relationships we all cherish—as soon as it is safe to do so. 

This year, the Jayhawk Career Network has continued to grow: More than 7,500 alumni and students now participate in KU Mentoring. These virtual connections are perhaps more important than ever, particularly for Class of 2020 graduates, who face a dramatically different job market and economy than they did heading into their final semester. I encourage you to sign up to be a mentor and consider posting employment opportunities on our alumni job board at kualumni.org/career. 

You also can help a new graduate through membership: When you renew or upgrade your membership, we will create a gift membership for a 2020 Jayhawk—or you can donate a membership directly; please visit kualumni.org/flock. 

Other initiatives, such as the Legacy Relations program and the Student Alumni Network, also have made great progress and will continue to be vital as the University works diligently to maintain healthy enrollments and enhance the student experience. Our legacy relations efforts have contributed to significant growth of the undergraduate legacy population, growing from 15% to 23% over the past eight years. Further, our Student Alumni Network grew to nearly 7,000 members and became the largest Student Alumni Network in the Big 12. We’re helping students with career resources and creating experiences for them that embody Jayhawk pride, tradition and connection. 

Your membership matters more than ever before! Your support fuels our ability to strengthen KU and unite KU alumni, students and friends. Wherever you are in the world today, please know that your Jayhawk family is thinking of you.

With gratitude,

Heath Peterson, d’04, g’09
President, KU Alumni Association