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 & Special Events
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. | Sarah assists with Board-related projects, prepares correspondence with donors and helps Kevin as needed. When she’s not running around the office, this U Conn graduate spends most of her time walking her crazy Australian shepherds, Anzac and Sydney, or at football games cheering on the Jayhawks and supporting her husband, Brandon, ’98, an assistant KU football coach. | ||
| 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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| 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. | 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. | ||
| 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! | 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 plans reunions at the Association and devotes much of her spare time to Levi, a 6-pound miniature dachshund with a big personality. | ||
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Marcus Hicks |
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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 Association, plans events and programs for students and establishes relationships between former, current and future KU students. Originally from Overland Park, Stefani is a Jayhawk through and through! In her spare time, you'll find her with family and friends, shopping (Target is her fave), drinking coffee, watching reality TV or reading the newest gossip magazine. She hopes to get a dog soon (pugs are the obsession). Rock Chalk! |
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 state. |
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 Danny Lewis Assistant Director of Alumni Programs |
 Joy Maxwell Assistant Director of Kansas City Programs |
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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. |
Joy Maxwell, c’03, j’03, vowed to return to KU when she graduated five years ago. With degree in hand, she worked as a reporter/morning anchor for KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa, before moving to Kansas City, where she coordinated film shoots and traveled as a location art director. Most recently, she recruited for KU’s freshman class at the Office of Admissions and Scholarships. Now at the Association, Joy plans events that strengthen the relationships between Kansas City alumni and the unrivaled university they call home. When she’s not cheering on her beloved ‘Hawks, she loves to run, travel with her husband, Kevin, e’05, read a good book and gossip on the phone with her 3-year-old niece, Grace. |
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 Michelle Miles Assistant Director of Kansas Programs |
Heath Peterson Director of Kansas Programs |
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| 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. | Heath, d'04, conducts alumni events across the state, focusing on chapter activities that serve the needs of KU. He organizes the Kansas Honors Program and works to keep alumni and friends of the University connected to KU. In his spare time, you can find Heath at the fitness center pumping iron, on the golf course trying not to embarrass himself, or spending time with his wife, Carrie, c’04; their son, Beau; and their ferocious toy poodle, Bruiser. | ||
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| Jamie, b'05, works with international chapters and the Flying Jayhawks program. A Wichita native and third-generation Jayhawk, she traveled to KU from Baylor in 2003 to finish her degree. She now enjoys traveling the world for both work and play, and knows for a fact she has the world’s greatest family and friends. At home, she loves watching and attending any sports event and just being outdoors. | 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] | ||
 Erika Bentson Editorial Assistant |
 Whitney Eriksen Sales & Communications Coordinator |
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| Erika, j’07, traveled to the Hill from Wichita. She joined the Association in 2008 as an editorial assistant and writes for print and online communications, including the Web site. Erika also spent time learning about a new class of 'Hawks when she wrote the 2008 edition of Jayhawk Generations, a special annual publication devoted to KU family legacies. | Whitney, c’08, j’08, joined the Association in February 2008 as advertising sales intern. She didn’t go far after completing degrees in English and journalism that May, slipping comfortably into a full-time position. Now, in addition to managing ad sales, she is involved in various production aspects of Kansas Alumni magazine and other external communications, and assists with the Association’s merchandise program. A fourth-generation Jayhawk from Hutchinson, Whitney spends much of her spare time on Mass. Street and loves when her family comes up for KU football games. | ||
 Steven Hill Associate Editor, Kansas Alumni magazine |
 David Johnston Director of Internet Services & Marketing |
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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. | 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 can usually be found cheering on the Jayhawks with his wife, Sara, d’96, and their two little girls, Sydney and Sophia. | ||
 Chris Lazzarino Associate Editor, Kansas Alumni magazine |
Katie Moyer |
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| 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. | Katie, j’06, a Kansas native, joined the Association just months after she walked down the Hill. She writes and edits copy for both online and print publications, and covers men’s basketball for the Kansas Alumni magazine. She’ll earn a KU master’s degree in business administration in 2009. When she’s not following the ’Hawks, Katie enjoys reading and spending time with her fiancé and Lawrence native, Jake Coffman, c’06, and their feline family that includes Casey Jones and Stella Blue—named, of course, after Grateful Dead tunes. | ||
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| During her 24-year career with the Association, Jennifer, j’81, has directed print and online communications. She and her husband, Robert, b'80, have three children; their eldest daughter is a KU senior. Away from the Hill, Jennifer assists children in foster care and volunteers for arts organizations. | 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. In her spare time, you can see her walking her two foo-foo dogs (Papillons) around town. | ||
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 Susan Younger Creative Director |
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| Mike, l'82, is the resident techie and Frank Sinatra. 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, designs Kansas Alumni magazine, oversees the Association's merchandise program and supervises publications. When she can pull herself away from work, she spends time in her ceramics studio, obsesses over her garden and nurtures an assortment of feathered and furry creatures, including two miniature donkeys, two sons and a husband, Jerry, e'86, g'92. | ||
| Donor Relations and Special Events | [Back to Top] | ||
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 Lora Stoppel Vice President for Donor Relations & Special Events |
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| Christine is one of two U Conn graduates at the Association. With degrees in psychology and criminal justice, she is adeptly suited for handling her hubby, Sean, her two young sons and two dogs (thankfully, not Huskies). After adopting the Jayhawk mascot, she has regularly deciphered the Rock Chalk Ball details and helped organize countless other Association events. | Lora, assoc., grew up in Austin, Texas, and moved to Lawrence in 2002. She joined the Association staff in 2003 and is responsible for the Association’s signature events, including the annual Rock Chalk Ball, the Distinguished Service Citation and the Fred Ellsworth Medallion reward programs. She also works closely with alumni and friends who contribute to the Presidents Club, which supports current and future programs of the Association. Lora and her husband, Craig, j’91, have three children. | ||
Ellen Chindamo |
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| Ellen, f’92, is the development director assigned by the KU Endowment Association to assist in raising funds for the KU Alumni Association. A Lawrence native, Ellen has been a fundraiser for 17 years and also is a professional jeweler and graphic designer (using her KU degree!). She lives in Lawrence with her husband Brad, assoc., and all together they have three children between them. | |||
| Finance | [Back to Top] | ||
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| 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. | When not counting beans or squeezing blood from turnips, Dwight enjoys spending time with his wife, the incomparable Lisa, and daughter, Camille. | ||
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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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Julie joined the Association staff in 2003. Away from work, she enjoys spending time with her "kids," a cat named Parker and a bird named Cameron. She also likes going on walks and watching KU basketball. |
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Angela Hughes |
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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. |
Kim, c’94, splits her time between KU Endowment and KUAA. Originally from Salina, she has worked for the University since 1998. On the weekends, Kim volunteers at the Lawrence Humane Society, taking photos of adoptable dogs for Petfinder.com. She has participated in three Breast Cancer 3-Day walks. Kim and her husband, Chad, j’95, love KU football and basketball and try to make it to every game they can. They have three dogs, Celtic, Hope and Fresco, and care for foster dogs, having successfully placed seven of them. | ||
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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. | ||
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| With a record 43 years on staff, Betty is revered as the employee with the most Association experience. A fourth-generation Lawrencean, 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. | Kim commutes to Lawrence every day from McLouth, where she is a City Council member. At the Association, her smiling face greets visitors and she is kept busy answering questions from callers, updating alumni records and managing the growing license plate program. In her spare time, she enjoys working in her yard and spending time with family and friends. She loves being a mother and grandmother! | ||
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| 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 likes to go biking and jogging. | |||
