KU News Release

New turnpike signs tout KU’s academic, athletic prowess to travelers

LAWRENCE — Travelers on the Kansas Turnpike will learn a little bit about the academic and athletic excellence of the University of Kansas thanks to two new signs scheduled to be installed Wednesday, July 2, outside Lawrence.

The signs will tout KU’s status as an international research university, as well as its recent men’s basketball and Orange Bowl championships. The older signs — one of which is no longer in place after being damaged by severe weather — did not mention academics.

“We want travelers to be aware of the internationally known teaching and research that takes place at KU, as well as the Jayhawks’ outstanding success this year, winning a national title and a BCS bowl game,” said Jack Martin, deputy director of University Communications.

Plans call for the line about men’s basketball to be updated after next year’s NCAA tournament, hopefully with the addition of another national championship. Barring that, the updated wording will focus on the five national basketball championships that have been brought home by the Jayhawks during the program’s 110 years.

Advisory: Weather-permitting, the signs will be installed Wednesday, July 2. Details will be available Wednesday morning at www.news.ku.edu or by calling (785) 864-8858.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.