KU News Release

LAWRENCE — Brian Blackwell decided he’d pass up a trip of a lifetime and opted instead for the sidelines the University of Kansas’ Memorial Stadium this fall.

Blackwell, a senior from Herington, is a safety on the KU football team. In four years in the program, he’s dutifully filled his role on the team but has never seen action during a game.

Away from the field, Blackwell is an academic standout. He’s a mechanical engineering major and a scholar in the Madison “Al” and Lila Self Engineering Leadership Fellows program for the School of Engineering.

His dedication to both programs was put to the test this summer when his fellow seniors in the SELF program set their sights on a trip to China to attend the World’s Fair in Shanghai. That trip coincided with the start of football practice. Blackwell played a vital role in making the idea a reality, serving on the group that secured the funds to cover the trip’s $31,000 price tag.

But when it came time for his peers to leave, Blackwell stayed in the background. At a glance, that’s the same place you’ll find him on the football field.

“Some days you hit your head against the wall wondering why you go out there and beat yourself to a pulp, but I love football,” Blackwell said. “This is the opportunity that was given to me, and I’m going to make the most of it whether I get on that field or not. My goal is to be out there on that field in front of 50,000 people and make a tackle, just one time … and I’m still part of this team, so the wins still come to me. I’m going to do everything I can to make us the best team we can be.”

Blackwell’s commitment helped him be a part of the biggest win in Jayhawk history, the 2008 Orange Bowl.

“When I was standing there after the game holding an orange in my hand, that was a dream come true,” Blackwell said.

A closer look shows Blackwell’s dedication, passion and work ethic make him a standout in the SELF program — and in the eyes of his football coaches.

Robert Wimberly has worked with Blackwell since December, after taking over as safeties coach for the Jayhawk football team.

“Brian Blackwell is a very dedicated young man,” Wimberly said. “You know that football means a lot to him. The way he carries himself and understands the game. He does a very nice job on that side of the ball. I’ve been doing this for quite a bit of time now, and what I tell people is a young man like Brian Blackwell, when they come back for homecoming 15 years from now, those are the ones that have the families and are doing well financially and being successful men in society. It’s those men that don’t get the glory … years from now, those are the young men that are very successful in life.”

SELF Program Director Lucy McGilley sees the same qualities in Blackwell away from the field.

“I can’t imagine how hard it is for Brian to keep great grades in his mechanical engineering classes, maintain his dedication the KU football and stay committed to the SELF program, but he does it with grace. He has an uncanny ability to make all types of people feel included, appreciated and motivated to be their best.”

Blackwell’s peers in the SELF program returned from China Aug. 17. The KU football season opens Sept. 4. Blackwell said the bottom line is finding some way to contribute to the overall success of both programs in whatever way possible.

“I’ve always tried to live a humble life,” he said. “I love working toward something and trying to achieve goals, but if I’m not the front man on it, it’s not going to bother me.”

Blackwell is due to graduate in 2012. He hasn’t settled on a career path but hopes to put his engineering degree to work developing cheaper green energy options for third-world countries — or decreasing the risk of injuries during strength training in sports.

He is the son of James and Beth Blackwell of Herington and a Herington High School graduate.

Madison “Al” and Lila Self, of Hinsdale, Ill., established the SELF program in 2007 with a gift of $10 million to KU Endowment for the School of Engineering. Earlier this year, the Selfs provided an additional $10 million for the program. Currently, 58 students participate in the SELF program. In total, the Selfs have donated $44 million to KU, which includes giving to other areas of the university.

The funds are managed by KU Endowment, the official fundraising and fund-management foundation for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.