KU Endowment

05/29/2026

Guests had an exclusive opportunity to mingle with walrus, moose and other mammals at a recent event hosted at the KU Natural History Museum. The evening celebrated the generosity of supporters including Tom and Jan Hardy — for whom the Panorama exhibit is now named.

“The Hardys are exemplary and inspiring supporters of our mission,” says Nico Franz, director of the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum. “Their gift will allow us to advance the Dyche Hall Panorama and related public programs to new heights.”

Pictured: Tom Hardy with his son, Jay, and other guests and speakers at the event.

Read more about the Hardys' transformational gift — the largest single donation in the museum’s history: https://kuendowment.org/news-articles/hardy-family-gift-ku-biodiversity-institute-natural-history-museum/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=donor%20spotlight&utm_content=hardy

05/27/2026

The University of Kansas Cancer Center broke ground on the future site of a new complex that will bring research and patient care into the same facility for the first time in the center’s history. There, patients will have on-site access to cutting-edge clinical trials and therapies.

Learn more about the future of cancer care in the region in our new flagship publication with The University of Kansas and KU Alumni Crimson & Blue. https://kuendowment.org/news-articles/construction-underway-on-new-ku-cancer-center-complex/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=crimson%20&%20blue&utm_content=cancer%20center

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. We are grateful for their courage, sacrifice and dedication.

05/22/2026

Groundbreaking research starts with bold ideas — and donor support helps those ideas become discoveries that change lives.

At this year’s University Research Awards, The University of Kansas honored faculty and researchers whose work is advancing medicine, education, science and the humanities. These achievements reflect the power of philanthropy to fuel innovation, support talented researchers and strengthen KU’s impact far beyond campus.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, and thank you to the donors whose generosity helps research thrive at KU. 💙❤️

See the 2026 awardees: https://university-research-awards.ku.edu/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=campus%20news&utm_content=research%20awards

05/21/2026

Research delayed is innovation delayed. Check out Chancellor Douglas A. Girod’s opinion piece in today’s The Wall Street Journal on why timely federal research funding matters for students, universities and America’s future.

The NIH has been holding back grants from funds Congress has already approved.

05/20/2026

KU researchers are helping to change the way we talk about eating disorders — and a broader range of patients are getting the treatment they need.

At the new Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors (CARE) at the Life Span Institute, clinicians, researchers and students work collaboratively to understand the complex, diverse truths about how disordered eating develops across many life experiences and cultures.

Read about their unfolding discoveries in , a publication with The University of Kansas and KU Alumni. https://kuendowment.org/news-articles/ku-research-targets-eating-disorders/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=crimson%20&%20blue&utm_content=care%20research

05/19/2026

Start a rally that serves The University of Kansas. By establishing an endowed fund to support the University of Kansas, your gift serves up new opportunities on campus — and you never even have to step outside the lines.

Set Jayhawks up for success for years to come! Contact our Planned Giving team to learn more: https://kuendowment.planmygift.org/contact-us?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=giving&utm_content=bequests

05/15/2026

Congratulations to our graduates!

As you walk down the Hill, take a moment to reflect on how you reached this milestone and what the accomplishment means to you.

For first-generation KU student Jorge Aragon, this weekend's commencement is both a personal achievement and a family milestone. Find out more about Jorge's path to graduation in the upcoming Crimson & Blue magazine, hitting mailboxes in June!

05/14/2026

University of Kansas School of Law alum Christopher “Kit” Smith and his wife Diana have made $3 million gift to support students across campus — from the School of Law to athletics.

The Dean Davis Law School Scholars Fund will give full, three-year scholarships to five highly qualified law students who are Kansas residents.

The Kit and Diana Smith Athletics Scholarship will provide scholarships for student-athletes participating in rowing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, volleyball and tennis.

Read how the Smiths are attracting promising students to KU and empowering future leaders: https://kuendowment.org/news-articles/kit-and-diana-smith-pledge-3-million-to-support-ku-students-in-law-athletics/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=donor%20spotlight&utm_content=smith

05/13/2026

Food insecurity isn’t a distant problem; it is experienced right here in The University of Kansas community, affecting students, faculty and staff.

KU's Campus Cupboard in Lawrence and the Thrive Food Pantry at University of Kansas Medical Center provide essential resources and access to food for those who need it most.

You can help support these two vital organizations by participating in a special challenge: The first 100 donors will unlock $50,000 to fight food insecurity on our campuses. Make a big impact today with a gift of any amount: https://launchku.org/campaigns/hawks-fight-hunger?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=giving&utm_content=hawks%20fight%20hunger