Feb. 7, 2003

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

K-State, KU alumni band together in historic meeting to support higher education

MANHATTAN -- They may be opponents on the basketball court, but Jayhawk and Wildcat leaders of the K-State Alumni Association and the University of Kansas Alumni Association are letting it be known they are partners when it comes to protecting higher education.

The two associations' boards will hold a historic joint meeting Saturday following the 12:45 p.m. K-State vs. KU basketball game at Bramlage Coliseum to sign a resolution in support of protecting state funding of their institutions.

"We are pleased that both alumni boards can join together in support of higher education for the Kansas regents universities," said Herb Whitney, chair of the K-State Alumni Association board of directors. "We want the public and our state legislators to know that we endorse Gov. Sebelius' recommendations for higher education for next year.

"Our universities have taken substantial cuts the past two years. Continued funding is imperative to our universities and our alumni."

The two alumni associations represent more than 130,000 graduates living and working in Kansas in business and industry and as leaders of communities in virtually every corner of the state.

"Our teaching and research enterprises are critical to the economic future of Kansas," said Robert Driscoll, chair of the Kansas Alumni Association board of directors. "No one knows better than an alumnus from K-State or KU what a difference a high quality college education means to satisfaction in life and to an individual's earning power.

"We will be proactive and help ensure that these great universities receive sufficient funding and protect our state's future."