Sept. 5, 2002

Contact: Lynn Bretz, University Relations, (785) 864-8866.

Chancellor, provost to address faculty and staff at annual fall convocation

LAWRENCE -- University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost David Shulenburger will speak today at the annual Faculty-Staff Fall Convocation at 3:45 p.m. in 110 Budig Hall.

Hemenway will focus on how the university has responded positively to the challenges of the past year, including national and international crises as well as the state's budget problems.

Even in a difficult year, Hemenway says, "the importance of education hasn't diminished" and Kansans recognize that "a first-rate university system is the key to attracting and keeping businesses in Kansas."

In his remarks, Shulenburger will describe KU's current budget situation, provide an update of the university's tuition strategy and discuss the importance of funding provided by research grants and the KU Endowment Association. He also will acknowledge recipients of distinguished teaching awards, the Budig awards for distinguished teaching and librarianship, and the W. T. Kemper fellowships for teaching excellence. Shulenburger then will announce the recipients of the Provost's Award for Leadership and International Education, while Robert Barnhill, vice provost for research, will introduce recipients of the Higuchi/Endowment Research Achievement Awards.

Following the convocation, a reception for faculty and staff will take place in the rotunda of Strong Hall.