KU News Release

KU community mourns master’s student Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Ballenger

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway and other KU officials issued the following statements today about the death of master’s of business administration student Gregory Ballenger, who was a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps.

Ballenger died Sept. 26 after a long battle with cancer. Services are planned for Saturday, Oct. 4, in Ballenger’s hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas.

Hemenway: “On behalf of the entire university community, I extend condolences to the family and friends of Greg Ballenger. We honor Lt. Cmdr. Ballenger for his service to his country as well as for his hard work to further his education while at the university. He will be missed.”

Capt. Thomas E. Arnold, commanding officer, KU Naval ROTC: “Greg’s family can be very proud of his patriotic service to the U.S. Navy and to his nation. His many accomplishments were highly respected within the Supply Corps community, and all of those who have served with him over the course of his outstanding Navy career will miss him deeply as a friend and colleague. We all feel a great personal loss at his passing.”

Charles Krider, master’s of business administration program director: “Greg was an exceptional student who worked hard and enjoyed learning. He was a credit to the MBA program and to the U.S. Navy.”

Dee Steinle, administrative director of master’s programs, School of Business: “The MBA program has lost a fine student and a wonderful human being. Greg showed true strength of character during his illness. He continued to attend and excel in the classroom up until the very end. Our hearts are with Kimberly Ballenger and their two sons.”

-30-

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.