University of Kansas - Jayhawker Yearbook (Lawrence, KS)

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V . Students and Lawrence residents gathered to commemorate those who died in Sept. ll and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Politics on backburner for S pt. 11 vigil Story by SASHA ROE I Photo by JESSIE FETTERLING I Published SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 hree campus organiza- tions worked together to remember Sept. 11. The Collegiate Veterans Association, KU Young Demo- crats and KU College Republicans hosted the c'Vigil for the Fallen on Wescoe Beach. Felix Zacharias, Wichita junior and vice president of the Univer- sity's Collegiate Veterans Asso- ciation, said it was essential for the three political groups to join in such non-political way. Zacha- rias said the event focused on those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, and on the troops who have served the country. The event featured patriotic mu- sic provided by a band, speeches from campus and elected othcials and ended with a reflective mo- ment of silence, a candle lighting and a flag folding ceremony. Zacharias said the event stayed away from political messages. Trumpets and a drum corps provided patriotic music to wel- come people as they arrived. The event had a moment of silence to- ward the end, followed by a read- ing of the names ofSept. 11 attack victims from Kansas and soldiers from Kansas who have died fight- ing in Afghanistan and Iraq. An open mic was available to anyone who Wants to speak. Zacharias said he hoped students remem- bered when they spoke that it was not a political event but a time to honor those who had lost their lives. This is exactly opposite of a protest, Zacharias said. Its an emotional get-together for these veterans. The event ended with candle lighting and a flag folding cer- emony. Guests were encouraged to leave in silence. Kate Mallula, Overland Park junior, said she thought the gath- ering ofthe three groups symbol- ized the Way the tragic event af- fected the nation as a whole. 'ilt really shaped the way we un- derstand ourselves as Americans? Mallala said. lt affected all of us, no matter what age, ethnicity or political partyf, l 7 1 r l l .414

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I Wil' ll' -. U, . Bri-hi-iulif-C3 Some students take the plunge and move to Washington, D.C., to start a career in politics. From the top of the Hill to Capitol Hill Story by SASHA ROE I Published SEPTEMBER 6. 2007 n her office about seven blocks from the White House, Karen Bentley, 2007 graduate, was once fascinated with the view of passing motorcades. Now, like other Washington, D.C., locals, Bentley thinks the motorcades are annoying and distracting. Bentley is a research associ- ate for the polling company inc., owned by political strategist Kel- lyanne Conway. Bentley is one of many KU alumni who recently moved from Lawrence to Wash- ington, D.C. Brandon Bohning, 2007 gradu- ate, works as a staff assistant to Sen. Chuck Grassley, CR-lowal. He said his job allowed him to meet public Hgures who he used to see only on television. Bohning said when he visited with them it was exciting to have his opinion matter just as much as theirs. There,s never a dull momentf' Bohning said. For a political junkie like me, this is where it's all happening. Sara Belfry, 2007 graduate, be- gan working as a litigation sup- port assistant for Digital Evidence Group LLC. She said she was thrilled to land her dream job and live in the city. It's such a great experience to be in your 20s, living in D.C., Bel- fry said. The excitement doesnit come without the challenges of transi- tioning from a college student to professional. Belfry said she missed the re- laxed atmosphere of college. She said she realized that her work now reflected on her company, and not her personally. In Washington, she said she felt the responsibility to act and look professional. My clothes are definitely more expensivef' Belfry said. 'And I miss the lifestyle of being able to take a nap in the afternoonf' As a staff assistant, Bohning said his job required him to always be informed. He watches more news, reads and writes blogs, and con- stantly checks his e-mail. Bohn- ing also deals with constituent calls, which sometimes require patience. 'iIt's important to develop your skills and have something to mar- ket, said Burdett Loomis, pro- fessor of political science. Rnd remember, no one gets rich on Capitol Hill when theyire 23? Loomis said the fast pace of life in Washington wasn't for every- one. 'After a while, people get the sense of whether they want to hang aroundf' Loomis said. K'You have to go in and expect the un- expected? r ggi-, fr':EZf ' ','j'Qfi5'r,, .:, f W ' ts' ' H rsezf. ---Hwy f L., .. .1 .. J

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Blood drive becomes more accessibl Story by DYLAN SANDS I Photo by JESSIE FETTERLING I Published SEPTEMBER 25 2007 ll students had to do was brave a needle and they got the chance to save lives - and get cookies. Three groups joined to bring a weeklong blood drive to campus. They hoped to provide enough donation sites to allow students to make donations between classes. The University of Kansas Blood Drive Committee, the Red Cross and the Community Blood Center sponsored the blood drive. Last semester, the groups held a similar drive with a goal of 800 donations. They did not reach their goal, but rather than aiming lower, they decided to aim higher. We've set a goal of 1,200 units this semesterf' said Leslie Rhoton, committee member and Lawrence junior. '1The feedback we've been getting on campus has pushed us to feel welll be more successful this semester. Students could have donated at the Red Cross buses outside the Kansas Union and on Daisy Hill. Another station was located in the Kansas Union Ballroom. A mobile unit also traveled to fraternities and other organizations to help the committee meet its goal. The committee displayed a large banner on Wescoe Hall to let students know how close the drive was to reaching its goal each day. Donors must complete a form regarding their health history and conduct a brief confidential interviewwithahealthprofessional before giving blood. It takes seven to 10 minutes to draw one pint of blood. Afterward, donors relaxed with refreshments such as juice and cookies. Rhoton said she had never donated blood until she joined the committee. Amy Harris, Overland Parkjunior, gives blood in the Kansas Union Ballroom 'tl had a friend hold my hand the whole time, Rhoton said. ul was probably the biggest baby you've ever seen. Allison Golub, Overland Park freshman, donated blood. She said students should look past the needle and take the chance to help others. 'llt makes me nervous, but ifl look away I'm finefl she said. But people and hospitals need the blood. It's a good thing.