Dec. 13, 2004

Contact: Dan Lara, University Relations, (785) 864-8855.

KU, Topeka to launch new student loan program to help fill ‘areas of high need’

LAWRENCE -- University of Kansas Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway and Topeka Mayor James A. McClinton will sign an agreement Wednesday to create the Advantage Topeka Loan Program, which will provide loans and establish a loan forgiveness program for KU students from Topeka who become employed in occupations designated as “areas of high need” by the city.

“ The University of Kansas is pleased to join with Topeka in creating a program that will prove beneficial to KU students and will provide expertise in high-demand areas to strengthen Topeka’s workforce and economic growth,” Hemenway said. “This is a win-win program for both sides.”

The Advantage Topeka Program will allow Topeka residents who graduate from any Shawnee County high school and major in degrees that address Topeka’s areas of need to receive loans to pay for tuition and fees. The university and KU Endowment Association will match income from the fund with a like amount of financial assistance. Upon graduation, if the student finds employment in Topeka in an area of need, the city will forgive the student’s loans.

The signing ceremony between Hemenway and McClinton will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, in the lobby of Capitol Federal Savings headquarters in Topeka.

WHAT: Creation of the Topeka Loan Program
WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15
WHERE: Lobby of Capitol Federal Savings headquarters, 700 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka.
WHO:
Topeka Mayor James A. McClinton
KU Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway
Dale Seuferling, president of the KU Endowment Association
John B. Dicus, president and CEO of Capitol Federal Savings
John C. “Jack” Dicus, chairman of Capitol Federal Savings
Clark Cropp, senior vice president for administration, KUEA

Media are invited to attend the event. For more information, contact Dan Lara, University Relations, (785) 864-8855.