Becoming a Jayhawk: Joshua Alston on Finding Connection, Creativity and Community at KU

KU student Joshua Alston walks on campus in front of Wescoe Beach.

Joshua came to KU ready to explore new experiences and create his own story. During his first year, he immersed himself on campus, joined student organizations, and discovered the power of saying yes to opportunities. Now, as a sophomore, Joshua is deeply involved on campus, taking on campus…


Becoming a Jayhawk: Annalia Escalante’s First Gen Student Story

University of Kansas student Annalia Esalante is pictured walking in the Anschutz Library.

For junior Annalia Escalante, choosing KU was more than a decision about where to study. It was about discovering what was possible. A public administration major with a business minor, Annalia is the first in her family to attend college. She’s using her time on campus to build connections and…


How KU Architecture Helped Emily Almloff Become the Youngest Licensed Architect in America

A timestamped photo college from the day in the life of KU Architecture student alumna Emily Almloff, with the exterior of Marvin Hall and the inside of a classroom

Emily Almloff was looking for a place where she could learn through hands-on design, collaborate with creative classmates, and discover the areas of architecture that inspired her most. KU Architecture gave her those opportunities. Recently, she was named the youngest licensed architect in the U.S…


Mechanical Engineering Internships: A KU Student’s Path to Three Successful Experiences

University of Kansas student Will Benjes participates in an intern networking event benefiting Harvesters’ food-collection efforts.

Finding the right mechanical engineering internship can feel overwhelming, especially for students who are just starting to explore the field. What type of internship is best? How do you stand out? And what does the day-to-day work actually look like? Meet Will Benjes: He’s a sophomore…


Winter Receptions: Meet Jayhawks from Home and See Yourself at KU

A room filled with prospective University of Kansas students at a Winter Reception event with a panel of current regional KU students.

Winter Reception events set the tone for a student’s KU journey by turning curiosity into genuine community. These gatherings give prospective students a chance to meet current KU students from their hometown area, learn what life at KU is really like, and see what makes the Jayhawk community so…


How Shake Smart Landed on KU’s Campus

KU Business Leadership Program student Lucas Robins poses in front of the new Shake Smart in the Ambler Rec Center.

When Lucas Robins walked into his first class in the KU School of Business Business Leadership Program (BLP), he wasn’t expecting to help bring a new dining option to campus before he even reached his junior year. He also didn’t expect that the experience would strengthen his leadership skills…


Inside KU’s Greenhouse and Its Unexpected Study Space

KU Botany Club president Avery Johnsmeyer relaxes in a hammock inside the Haworth Hall Greenhouse.

Walk into the Haworth Hall Greenhouse, and it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of campus. The air is warm and humid, filled with the scent of soil and greenery. Sunlight filters through an incredible array of vines and blooms. A few students might be working quietly at small desks or tending…


My Mental Health Internship Experience and KU's Impact

University of Kansas student Caroline Rome poses with an group of students participating in Johnson County Mental Health Center mental health internships.

Starting college comes with big questions. What do I want to study? Who will I meet? How will I find my place? For freshman Caroline Rome, some of those answers began taking shape even before she arrived at KU. The summer before move-in, she completed an internship with Johnson County Mental Health…


Things to Do in Lawrence, Kansas: KU Students Share Their Favorite Spots

Two University of Kansas students listen to music at a record store in downtown Lawrence Kansas.

From cozy coffee shops to lakeside trails and live music downtown, Lawrence is the kind of place that feels like home the moment you arrive. Students say it’s the perfect blend of college-town charm and big personality. They often describe Lawrence as more than just a backdrop to their college…


A First Gen Journey That Comes Full Circle at KU

University of Kansas faculty member Dr. Angie Hendershot photographed in a classroom speaking to students.

Arriving at college as a first-generation student often means creating your own roadmap to success. At KU, it’s an experience shared by 3,000+ current students, and one that is deeply personal to Angie Hendershot. Hendershot is an instructor at the University of Kansas William Allen White…