University of Kansas announces 2015 Men of Merit


Fri, 03/06/2015

author

Kathy Rose-Mockry

LAWRENCE — The 2015 University of Kansas Men of Merit have been announced, recognizing a group of students, faculty and staff positively defining masculinity through challenging norms, taking action and leading by example while making contributions to university and/or the community.

A reception will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the Big 12 Room of the Kansas Union. A short ceremony will take place at 5:20 p.m.to individually recognize and honor each man for his campus and community contributions.

This year’s honorees include:

  • Steve Allton, staff attorney, Legal Services for Students
  • Jared Auten, Osawatomie, a senior in sociology and graduate of Osawatomie High School
  • AJ Busard, advising specialist, Department of Health, Sport & Exercise Science
  • Darren Canady, assistant professor, Department of English
  • Drew Carlburg, Fredonia, a senior in applied behavioral sciences and graduate of Fredonia High School
  • Frederick Gipp, Lawrence, a junior in strategic communications and graduate of Lawrence High School
  • Tom Hung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, a senior in chemical engineering and graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School
  • Benjamin Jang, Olathe, a medical student at the KU School of Medicine and graduate of Olathe South High School
  • Alek Joyce, Lawrence, a senior in strategic communications and graduate of Free State High School
  • Bill Larzalere, chief litigation attorney, Legal Services for Students
  • James Modig, University Architect and director, Design & Construction Management
  • Jonathan Mosher, Overland Park, a senior in chemical engineering and graduate of Blue Valley Northwest High School
  • JaCorey Shepherd, a Mesquite, Texas, senior in management & leadership and graduate of Mesquite Horn High School
  • Eric Silva, a Santa Maria, California, graduate student in higher education administration and graduate of Pioneer Valley High School
  • Chris Stone-Sewalish, assistant director, KU Student Housing

The KU Men of Merit poster campaign was created seven years ago by former KU football player Gary Green. This project is coordinated and sponsored by the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity.

Current research supports the important role gender plays in college students’ identity development and academic achievement. Recently, attention has been focused on men’s declining enrollment in college as well as their higher rates of underperformance and underachievement compared with women. In fact, recent students indicate that nationally, male students are less likely to complete a bachelor’s degree than female students. In addition, men are less likely to engage in volunteer activities and participate in student clubs and organizations. This growing gender gap points to the need for college campuses to address the disparity and create mechanisms for increasing men’s involvement, engagement and achievement.

This poster aims to increase awareness of the importance of education and involvement in men’s lives, inspire campus men to take an active role in their college experience and provide role models and mentors for men to be successful. Posters will be available at the reception, in the Emily Taylor Center offices, and they can be requested by contacting the office.

Sponsors and assistance with this poster include KU Marketing and Communications, the Emily Taylor Center and the Office of Diversity & Equity.

Fri, 03/06/2015

author

Kathy Rose-Mockry

Media Contacts

Kathy Rose-Mockry

Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity

785-864-3552