As another Leadership Kansas year comes to a conclusion, I reflect upon the numerous contributions of alumni, donors, and friends of the LK Program.  With the support of alumni from across the state, our program continues to educate the state's top leaders about the issues and concerns of our state.

 

On behalf of the Leadership Kansas Board of Trustees, I thank you for your continued support of the program.

I urge you all to consider attending our very special 30th Year Anniversary Celebration in Topeka on October 24th.  The Board of Trustees has authorized some interesting and entertaining alumni activities during the day and a more casual and much more social Alumni Reception.  Please visit the Leadership Kansas website for more details and online registration (posting date September 22nd).  LET'S HAVE A GREAT TURNOUT TO CELEBRATE THIS MILESTONE & HONOR THIS YEAR'S GRADUATING CLASS!  

 

As this year's State Program Chair, I am pleased to report that the LK Class of 2008 is working very hard to lay claim to being "the best class ever!"

Although it is a very tough title to obtain, (and one that I am sure your class has already laid claim to) they are coming very close.

Their experience in Leadership Kansas after the first four sessions has included the traditional visits to Garden City, Kansas City and Hutchinson/Wichita as well as the city of Hays.  At each stop along the way, the hospitality of the Leadership Kansas alumni has been exceptional.  You and your colleagues have rolled out the red carpet for this year's class in an impressive manner and they have been very appreciative.  Some of the many topics they have been discussing in their Local Session visits have included energy, education, health care and economic development.  And even more importantly, the members of this year's class has been very engaged in dialogue with the presenters, the local alums and their fellow classmates; all in an attempt to learn more about the critical issues facing Kansans.  We look forward to the final two sessions in Junction City/Manhattan and Lawrence/Topeka.

This year's class is a shining example that the future leadership of Kansas is in good hands.   They are smart, inquisitive, compassionate community leaders and I can't wait to introduce you to them at the Graduation Ceremony in October.  Thank you for the honor of serving as the Program's 2008 State Program Chair.

Brad Stratton

On May 2nd Leadership Kansas held its 5th Annual Leadership Summit & VIP Alumni Reception in Wichita.  It was another exceptional event with just the right blend of interesting topics & panel discussion, along with some beneficial networking.

 

Former Governor Bill Graves ('85) kicked off the event with a nostalgic and insightful speech during the Governor's Lunch. The attendees were then exposed to a variety of experts speaking on topics including; leadership, entrepreneurship, workforce development and energy policy.  Our keynote speaker was Dr. John Stoessinger, former Director of Political Affairs at the United Nations.

 

A reception followed at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame where the 2008 Class was introduced to thunderous applause from alumni.  Please help me thank the Chair of the Leadership Summit Organizing Committee Kim Scanlan ('03 Wichita).  Kim had an outstanding committee and worked closely with the Board of Trustees Leadership Summit Subcommittee, Chaired by Coleen Jennison ('05 Topeka).

 

Please mark Friday, May 9th on your calendar for the date of the 2009 Leadership Summit and VIP Alumni Reception, scheduled for the KC Metro area.  We are pleased to announce Tedrick Housh ('06 Overland Park) as event Chairman.

We are extremely pleased to announce the recipients of this year's Jim Edwards Alumnus of The Year Award: Barbara Carswell ('01 Lawrence) and Lon Frahm ('88 Colby).  This is the first time in Leadership Kansas' 30 year history that this distinguished award was presented to co-recipients.  For those familiar with Barbara and Lon, they know of their long-standing commitment to, and support of, the Leadership Kansas Program.  Congressman Todd Tiahrt assisted in presenting their awards at this year's Leadership Summit.

 

Past Recipients include:

YOU ARE GOING TO WANT TO JOIN US FOR THIS SHIN-DIG!  Please check your mail for your invitation to this year's Class Graduation Ceremony and our very special 30th Year Anniversary Celebration.  We are confident you will be impressed with the new location and the casual, wandering reception format.  The Board of Trustees has promised a very "social" evening!

 

Towards that end, numerous Topeka-area alumni have volunteered to organize several different fun events for alumni and the recently graduated class to participate in earlier that afternoon.  Hats off to the volunteers who are promising to make these events worthwhile for you take the entire day off to join us in Topeka on the 24th!