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As we all look back on 2020, we can reflect on how our lives have changed...so much CHANGE.
The global COVID pandemic brought pain and loss to many of us. For almost all of us, our day-to-day lives, work and school, and time with friends and family changed with the circumstances of the year. Change has become the new "normal."
It is hard to fathom that a group of us returned March 1 from the pre-trip to Dubai/United Arab Emirates for the now postponed (until 2022) KARL Class XV study tour. But, we've made it to the end of this historic year, not by our own doing, but by reaching out to each other, just as we do in KARL.
In spite of a pandemic, KARL did not stop. With these passing few years, we become prouder of KARL and our mission for each and every one of us to serve agriculture and rural Kansas. We can choose to remember 2020 as a year of great change and strength-building. As we bid farewell to a difficult year, we wish all of the KARL friends & family, KARL Fellows, KARL Associates, and our partners the warmest welcome to a brand new year. We can hardly wait to see the goodness that 2021 will bring.
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy,
not on fighting the old, but on building the new."
--Socrates
#BeLegendary. #BeGrateful.
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Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership has announced that it has rescheduled seminars and travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
KARL chair Steve Baccus said the board unanimously agreed to delay in-person contact, travel, and its international study tour to the United Arab Emirates, scheduled for 2021.
The pause begins as KARL Class XV enters its second year. Recruitment for the next class will also be delayed.
“KARL alumni and class associates have always stepped up to the needs in our communities and many are helping to meet those challenges during this uncertain time amidst COVID-19,” Baccus said. “The health and welfare of the class, their families and communities is always the utmost priority, especially during this pandemic time in our lives.”
KARL President Jill Zimmerman said the risk of compromising the experience through completely remote programming would be too high to justify the current class moving forward right now.
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Mark Winger (1965-2020) Board Chair, 2007-08
KARL Class III Fellows Louise Ehmke and Ken Rahjes have suggested a memorial in honor of Mark to the KARL Program. Mark was active in KARL as an alumnus, as a former board member and board chair, and was instrumental in helping establish the Gettysburg Leadership Experience for current program participants through his role with Farm Credit Associations of Kansas. Read more by clicking HERE.
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Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh (1942-2020) Founding Board Member
Flinchbaugh, Professor Emeritus at Kansas State University's Agriculture Economics Department, was a fervent supporter of the KARL Program and a driving force in the leadership program's conception. "Kansas, and specifically the agriculture industry owes Dr. Flinchbaugh a debt of gratitude," said Steve Baccus, KARL board chair. Read more about Dr. Flinchbaugh by clicking HERE.
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"The KARL Program has been impactful and mind opening. The sessions have exceeded my expectations and the D.C. & Gettysburg experience is one of the top leadership seminars I've participated in. Gettysburg was an "ah ha" moment when the types of leadership finally clicked with the men who fought in the battle. Looking forward to what year two will bring & the continued development of friendships."
Jesse Muller, Liberty, KS - Class XV
Farmer & Ranch Manager, Muller Construction, Inc.
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Until next time, be safe and stay connected. #BeLegendary
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