Since the beginning, rural Kansans have been adapting – maybe by choice, maybe due to mother nature, the changing markets, a virus. And, yet, we persevere. Our rural leaders see to it.

The challenges of a pandemic bring about better use of technology to either stay connected, and/or, connect with long lost relationships in our families, co-workers, neighbors, friends, for a medical appointment, to order groceries, and even new business ventures. Through all of this, we move forward, to do our best, even in the most challenging times.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation does extensive study with rural America as a special focus. Here’s what we’ve learned from their data: “Where you live matters to your health. In fact, your ZIP code may be more important to your health than your genetic code. The communities where we live, learn, work, and play shape how well and how long people live.”

More than 400 people serve our communities as KARL graduates – some protecting the traditions that bind us in the very fabric that hold us true to the values that make quality of life in rural Kansas the best it can be. Some, as changemakers, pushing and pulling us forward to strive for being better neighbors and producers and teachers and entrepreneurs…

KARL is a community of legendary rural leaders helping communities thrive. Being connected matters. How are you staying connected? Always, be #KARLSTRONG.

Enjoy your May edition of KARL Matters

Inaugural KARL Café | Tues. June 2

You are INVITED to join KARL on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:15 p.m. for the launch of KARL Café, a virtual conversation among KARL family members focused on current issues. Our guide will be Dr. Vincent Amanor-Boadu, K-State Agribusiness Professor.

Dr. Vincent will lead a conversation about “Dealing with Change.” There may be little an economist can say about COVID-19 as a virus, but it is a FORCE that has disrupted and shutdown or severely affected every segment of life as we currently know.

The conversation will cover:

How COVID-19 impacts policy and shifts how we do business.
How we define community?
How do we prepare for future pandemics? What happens if rural America is ground zero?

Register in advance:

https://ksu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tcOmsrzssGtcZpJwW5By7PSwZdKsMsRxO

Once registered, you will receive email confirmation and information about joining the KARL Café.

KARL Alumni - - Please Respond

KARL needs your input to update contact information to be used in a directory for the KARL Program. Staying connected is important for each of us, and we thank you in advance for your responses to this survey. Your completion of the survey by June 3rd is appreciated.

Alumni Survey available HERE

THANK YOU for your responses! A shout out to classes V, XIII, and XIV for the greatest response rates at the time of this edition of your KARL Matters.

12th Annual Leader Links Golf Tournament - Aug. 21

KARL is planning its annual Leader Links Golf Tournament! Your involvement and support has allowed this tournament to grow into of our most anticipated annual events for alumni and friends. Join us Friday, August 21 at Colbert Hills, Manhattan, KS. For more information regarding participation and/or sponsorship, call (785) 532-6300 or email karl@ksu.edu.

Looking back...

Your support impacts the KARL Program and its

mission to develop rural changemakers!

The KARL Program has hosted 11 tournaments. Make plans to join KARL for our 12th annual Leader Links golf tournament Friday, August 21 at Colbert Hills, Manhattan. A great opportunity to play a round of golf and network with alumni and friends!

The first Sporting Clay Benefit was held in 2002 as the vision of longtime KARL supporter Dan Snyder. Snyder served on the KARL Board of Directors from 2002-2008 and was President in 2007. We miss Dan, but are honored to carry on this tradition in his memory. Make plans to join us in October at Flint Oak, Fall River.

KARL Class reunions have become popular events. Classes V, XIV, and XV have met virtually. Requests from other classes to connect are bringing KARL classes together. How are you connecting with your class? We would be happy to arrange a Zoom reunion with your class. Just let us know!