Meet the Staff
Association staff are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist you with any questions you might have regarding your membership. Click on the links below to see photos and bios of each staff member.
Administration
Adams Alumni Center
Hospitality Services
Alumni Programs
Communications
Donor Relations
Finance
Records
| Administration | [Back to Top] | ||
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| Kevin, c'88, a Norman, Okla., native, has spent his entire career working in the alumni and development profession at four different universities (the University of Oklahoma, the University of Georgia, Western State College, and KU—twice!). Kevin joined the Association from the KU Endowment Association, where he served as its senior vice president for development and secretary to the board of trustees. His wife, Jill, c'88, is a native of Omaha, and they have two sons who are sports fanatics. | Heather received her bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from KU in 2006 and is currently working on her master's in educational leadership and management. Heather helps with projects for the Alumni Association's Board of Directors, arranges correspondence with donors and helps Kevin whenever needed. Heather has been a Jayhawk fan since birth and loves her Jayhawks—win or lose! When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her fabulous family, reading and having dinner with friends. Her husband, Jeff, their 4-year-old son, Mavrick, and their three boxers always keep her on her toes! | ||
| Adams Alumni Center | [Back to Top] | ||
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| Tim Brandt, b'74, helps keep the Adams Alumni Center running smoothly. He comes to the Association by way of Wichita with wife, Debra. When he's not welcoming the more than 25,000 alumni that visit the center each year, he is continuing to add to his watch collection or toiling in his yard. | |||
| Hospitality Services | [Back to Top] | ||
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| Bryan has been with the Association since 1986. He can usually be found poking around in his herb garden or turning brats on the Weber. | Laurie, c’98, coordinates a wide variety of business and social events that take place in the center. A Wisconsin native, she earned a biology degree from KU as a non-traditional student. She occasionally brings in "Show 'n’ Tell" (live or otherwise) from the natural world to share with her co-workers. If Laurie is not working or volunteering, you'll find her outside somewhere. | ||
| Alumni Programs | [Back to Top] | ||
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| Mike came to KU to receive his bachelor’s degree in education in 1984. After working at the Association for a few years, he went back to class to complete a master’s in higher education administration in 1991. He found he couldn’t stay away, rejoining the Association staff in 2005 to work with student and membership programs. Mike and his wife Karyn, b’86, a Lawrence native, have four children: Kyle, Megan, Katie and Hannah. A Coloradoan at heart, Mike is an avid mountain biker, skier, runner and ice hockey player. He also enjoys spending time with his family and reading, and is a huge fan of Jayhawk athletics! | Anny, d'09, joined the Association staff as coordinator of alumni programs. She primarily oversees the Association's affinity chapters, but also assists with memberships and event auctions. A native of Saint Louis Park, Minn., Anny now calls Lawrence home. In her free time, she likes to travel (she's already been to Fiji, New Zealand and Australia), play sports and study sharks. She also plays the drums in a rock band called The Electric Limes. | ||
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| Nikki joined the Association in 2008 with an impressive resume of sports experience. She was on host committees for Super Bowls XXXIX and XLI before moving to Indianapolis to work for the Division I men's basketball championship. She knew exactly where she wanted to be after working the Final Four that KU won. A native of Valley Center, Nikki played softball at Wichita State University (a very long time ago!), while working on her bachelor's and master's degrees. She now oversees reunion and affinity programs at the Association. She devotes much of her spare time to Levi, a 7-pound miniature dachshund with a big personality and is working towards a black belt in mixed martial arts. | Stefani received her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from KU in 2006, and a master’s in higher education administration in 2008. She now advises the Student Alumni Leadership Board, oversees Student Alumni Association membership, plans events and programs for students campus-wide, and establishes relationships between former, current and future KU students. Stefani also serves as an adviser to the Homecoming Steering Committee and the Rock Chalk Revue Advisory Board. Originally from Overland Park, Stefani is a Jayhawk through and through! In her spare time, you'll find her with family and friends, working out, shopping and enjoying the place she now calls home--Lawrence. Rock Chalk! | ||
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 Marcus Hicks Coordinator of National Programs and Athletic Events mhicks@kualumni.org |
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| A western Kansas native, Teri joined the Association in 2011 after spending the last 20 years in association management in the golf industry, where she focused on marketing, member/donor relations, corporate sales and fundraising. She received her bachelor's degree in marketing from Emporia State University and has lived in Lawrence since 1987. Teri has one son, Kendall, who is a senior at KU in the sport management program. She enjoys entertaining family and friends, watching KU sports and working out at the local gym. |
A California native, Marcus, c’07, transferred to the Hill as a junior to play defense on the football team and earn his bachelor’s degree in communication studies. After graduation, he returned to the West Coast as sales representative for the Los Angeles Clippers. In 2008, he returned to Kansas and joined the Association to help build and strengthen alumni relations around the country. |
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 Lynn Loveland Assistant Director of Kansas Programs - Wichita lloveland@kualumni.org |
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| Danny joined the Association after graduating from KU in 2004 with a degree in sports management. A certified "sports junkie," Danny grew up playing football and basketball with his twin brother. As a Jayhawk, he played for KU and competed in the 2003 Tangerine Bowl. His favorite activities usually include water, boating and floating. Danny and his wife, Laura, live in Eudora with their cats, Larry and Layla. | Lynn, '76, serves the Association part time as the link to the powerful Wichita Chapter. Before assuming her duties at KUAA, Lynn worked for the KU Hospital in Kansas City, and the School of Medicine and KU Endowment in Wichita, where she helped create the Jayhawk Roundup. As the first Association staff member with an office in Wichita, she works alongside local alumni volunteers to plan programming, fundraising and recruitment events, including the annual Roundup, which now supports Alumni Association programs. Lynn and her husband, Mike, have two children and love participating in all KU activities. | ||
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 Joy Maxwell Assistant Director of Kansas City Programs jmaxwell@kualumni.org |
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| Joy, c'03, j'03, directs legacy recruitment and the Kansas City Alumni Chapter for the KU Alumni Association. You can find her planning events such as the annual KU KickOff at Corinth Square in August, Hawktoberfest in October, and the Association's black tie event, the Rock Chalk Ball, in the spring. When she's not cheering on her beloved 'Hawks, she loves to travel, read, shop, have lunch with friends and spend time with her two favorite boys--husband Kevin, e'05, and their son, Luke (future KU alumnus). | Michelle, b’01, heads up one of the Association’s oldest traditions, the Kansas Honors Program. Born and raised a KU fan, she enjoys traveling throughout the state and nationally to share her love of the University and connect with students and alumni. When she’s not spending time with her Jayhawk family, she is hanging out with her own family and friends. | ||
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| Heath, d'04, g'09, a Hugoton native, works with talented staff to develop Kansas chapters, the Kansas Honors Program, student programs, reunions, affinity chapter events and Homecoming. In his spare time, you can find Heath at the fitness center pumping iron, breaking a mental sweat playing chess, reading a practical book, or spending time with his wife, Carrie, c'04, DDS; their son, Beau; daughter, Presley; and their ferocious toy poodle, Bruiser. | Jacob, d'06, oversees the alumni chapters in Kansas. Jake works with hundreds of chapter volunteers, helping them strengthen the University in their local communities. An Ellinwood native and second-generation Jayhawk, Jake previously worked for Kansas Athletics as the Kansas Relays assistant director. He and his wife, Andrea, have four children: Spencer, Adelynne, Camden and Jamison. When he's not cheering on the Jayhawks, you'll find him spending time with family and friends, playing sports, perfecting his chef skills and teaching his children the Rock Chalk Chant! | ||
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| Megan, d'11, received her degree in Sport Management from the University of Kansas. She joined the KU Alumni Association shortly after graduation and oversees the Flying Jayhawks program and the Jayhawk Generations memberships. Originally from Topeka, Megan was raised a devoted Jayhawk fan and was a Rock Chalk Dancer while she was a student at KU. Most nights and weekends you can find her teaching ballet and lyrical at Fuzion School of Dance. In the free time that she finds, she loves to travel with family, watch sports and movies with her husband Peter, and enjoys spending time with her friends. She also dedicates a lot of time to her four-pound, (full grown!) Yorkie, Zoey. |
Kerri has been with the Association since 1994. She recently joined the programs department to maintain order among her energetic co-workers and the countless events they put on each year. Her knack for organization helps her keep track of RSVPs, calendars and communication. Kerri is married with two children, Allyson and Mason. When she’s not taking care of the programs department or her kids, she enjoys reading. | ||
| Communications | [Back to Top] | ||
 Jennifer Jackson Sanner Senior Vice President for Communications Editor, Kansas Alumni magazine Corporate Secretary jjsanner@kualumni.org |
 Lydia Benda Communications Coordinator lbenda@kualumni.org |
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| Jennifer, j'81, joined the Association staff in 1984 as staff writer and stumbled into a career. She and her husband, Bob, b'80, have three children: Rachel, a proud KU business school graduate; Jack, a KU junior majoring in business; and Claire, a future Jayhawk who now rules the household along with the dog, Bubba. Away from the Hill, Jennifer assists children in foster care. | Lydia joined the Association in 2011 after graduating from the journalism school at KU and marrying her best friend, John. A native of Lawrence, Lydia appreciates the arts her town has to offer. She loves to attend local concerts and to take part in arts and crafts. When she is not at work, she can usually be found walking somewhere pretty or watching Alfred Hitchcock movies with John. | ||
 Steven Hill Associate Editor, Kansas Alumni magazine shill@kualumni.org |
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| Steve graduated from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and holds a master's degree from Columbia University. He has written for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Chicago Tribune, Field & Stream and other publications. He enjoys cycling and hunting (not at the same time) and spending time with his wife, Mary, and their three young children, including a brand new baby girl. | Debbi, c'98, joined the Association in April 2010 as an editorial
assistant. She helps manage the growing volume of broadcast e-mail and
electronic communication, including KU Connection, while adding expertise in social media. A native
of Wellington, Debbi has spent the past 12 years working in the world of
financial aid for higher education, including three years at KU. She is married to former KU basketball player David Johanning, f’94, and in her spare time she enjoys live music, interacting with the Lawrence social media community, and spending time with family, friends, and Lucy the Labrador retriever. |
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 Chris Lazzarino Associate Editor, Kansas Alumni magazine clazz@kualumni.org |
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| David oversees marketing and Internet services. He joined the Association in 2007 after serving as KU’s first director of marketing. A Lawrence native, Johnston holds two degrees from KU, including a bachelor’s in journalism and a master’s in higher education administration. When the former KU cross country All-American isn’t out running, he usually can be found cheering on the Jayhawks with his wife, Sara, d’96, their two little girls, Sydney and Sophia, and their baby boy, Austin. | Lazz, j'86, joined Kansas Alumni magazine as a staff writer in 1995. He previously worked as a sports writer for the Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Among his passions are travel (especially when he's able to join the Flying Jayhawks on trips to Europe), reading, and long hikes with his happy yellow dog, Parker. | ||
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| Terry joined the Association in November 2009 after spending nine years as a reporter and editor at the Lawrence Journal-World. He serves a variety of roles, including writing for Kansas Alumni magazine, helping maintain the Association's website, taking photos and producing videos. A native of Belle Plaine, Terry received a communications degree from Wichita State in 2000. He and his wife, Jana Gruver Rombeck, c'00, have a son, Nolan. | Valerie, j'94, designs a variety of publications for the Association, including brochures, booklets, posters, invitations, banners and anything you would want to put a Jayhawk on. Valerie dotes on her geriatric papillon (little, foo-foo dog) and enjoys reading and cooking. | ||
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 Susan Younger Creative Director syounger@kualumni.org |
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| Mike, l'82, when he isn’t keeping the Web site running smoothly or assisting the less tech-savvy, he devotes much of his time to his wife, Lisa, d’81, and his sons, Emmett and Travis. |
Susan, f'91, is the Creative Director for the Association. She oversees publications including Kansas Alumni magazine and supervises design staff. She also oversees the Association's merchandise program and assists with special events. Susan has also served as president of UCDA, a national design organization. When she can pull herself away from work, she spends time in her glass studio, obsesses over her garden and nurtures an assortment of feathered and furry creatures, including three miniature donkeys, two grown sons and a husband, Jerry, e'86, g'92. | ||
| Donor Relations | [Back to Top] | ||
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| Angie, b'04, g'07, is the development director assigned by the KU Endowment Association to assist in raising funds for the KU Alumni Association. Angie, a native of the south-central Kansas town of Sawyer, most recently worked at KU Athletics. She loves to travel, attend sporting events and do almost anything outdoors. She and her husband, Dan, have a daughter, Olivia. | |||
| Finance | [Back to Top] | ||
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| When not counting beans or squeezing blood from turnips, Dwight enjoys spending time with his wife, the incomparable Lisa, and daughter, Camille. | A Nebraska native, Jodi came to Kansas originally to obtain degrees in business administration and accounting from Bethel College. Since joining the Association's finance department in July 2008, Jodi assists with the preparation of monthly financials, annual budgeting and various other daily tasks. Most of Jodi's free time revolves around her family, including her husband, Brad, and their daughters, Madeline and Macy. She also enjoys reading a good book, running and shopping. | ||
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| Originally from Erie, Karen, c'92, has been an accountant at the Association for several years and before that spent 22 years employed at KU. Her husband, Don, is an architect who retired in 2007 from KU with 35 years of service. Karen is an Extension Master Gardener in her spare time. |
Marcia has been an indispensable part of the Association's team since 1997, working as an office assistant, mailroom attendant and inventory control specialist. Marcia and her husband, Steve, have two daughters and a wonderful grandson. They love traveling, especially to Cabo and Colorado, and are avid KU basketball fans. |
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| Colleen’s friendly smile is the first to greet visitors to the third floor of the Alumni Center. She came to the Association in 1997 and now sits at the front desk and lends a hand to the finance department. Colleen and her husband of 42 years have two children and one grandson. Any free time is spent with her grandson and with the family horses! |
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| Records | [Back to Top] | ||
 Bill Green Senior Vice President for Information Services |
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| Bill joined the staff in 1994, working jointly for the KU Alumni and Endowment Associations. He has two offices and two bosses, but fortunately a single database of alumni shared by the two Associations and great support staff in both organizations. Bill has two daughters, Jen and Linda c'10. |
Shana joined the Association in January 2010 after moving from Jackson, Michigan. She received a music degree in '99 from Jackson Community College. She is married to Jerry and in her spare time loves to crochet and scrapbook. |
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 Julie Hedges Records Specialist & License Plate Administrator |
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| Julie joined the Association staff in 2003. Away from work, she enjoys spending time with her pets and going on walks. She also is a big KU basketball fan. |
After five years as a stay-at-home mom, Angela joined the Association as records specialist. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an associate degree in floriculture from K-State, and has an impressive background in magazine, promoting floral and various horticulture industries. She and her husband, Michael, h’99, have two children, Samantha and Ethan, and two very needy dogs, Jasmine and Megan. |
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| Linda, d'85, has worked for the Association's records department since 1996. In her spare time, she loves to exercise and travel. Her favorite destinations include Boston, Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod. | Helen, d'66, taught junior high math for nine years before working in her husband's printing business and eventually joining the Association’s records department. She and her husband, Steve, have three grown children and five grandchildren. In her spare time, Helen enjoys working in her vegetable garden and helping Steve with his model railroad activities. | ||
 Betty Otto Records Specialist |
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| With a record 46 years on staff, Betty is revered as the employee with the most Association experience. A fourth-generation Lawrencian, she devotes her time in the office to updating files and membership records. Her favorite pastimes include crocheting, knitting, taking care of her three Border Collies and spending time with her husband, Ronnie. | Stefanie has worked in the Association's records department since 1989. Her time away from work is spent taxiing her three sons around to numerous practices and games. When she isn't behind the wheel, she enjoys biking and jogging. | ||
