Hawks to Watch: Rhianna Jordan, professional dancer
Why Rhianna's a Hawk to Watch:A dance studio is many things at once — a space for experimentation, collaboration, and artistic expression. But for Rhianna Jordan, it’s more than that. It serves as a site not only for practice runs and carefully choreographed performance — but also for profound…
Hawks to Watch: Kelly Houghteling, Deputy Town Administrator
Why Kelly's a Hawk to Watch:Kelly Houghteling is always up for an adventure. When she's off the clock, you can expect to find her outdoors hiking, biking, and fly-fishing in the Rocky Mountains, which she calls home. She even made the trek up to the 19,341-foot summit of Africa's highest mountain,…
Hawks to Watch: Alex Nichols, content producer & writer
Why Alex is a Hawk to WatchComedy, arts, and entertainment can help us get through life’s rough patches and reflect on what truly matters. And in moments of uncertainty and difficulty, connecting with others through laughter can make a world of difference.Since graduating with a degree in English…
Hawks to Watch: Kiel Johnson, Artist
Why Kiel's a Hawk to Watch:To say that Kiel Johnson enjoys the creative process is something of an understatement. He's positively enamored with it. On any given day, you might find the LA-based artist fashioning an old-timey Western stagecoach out of cardboard, sending sparks flying from…
Top 10 #HeartofKU stories of 2019
As the first month of 2020 comes to an end, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite KU stories of 2019. From bees, beer, and Oscar buzz to research excellence, a Jayhawk Women's Hall of Famer, and the search for habitable planets outside of our solar system, here are 10 stand-out moments…
Hawks to Watch: Mugabi Byenkya, writer, poet and rapper
Why Mugabi's a Hawk to Watch:Life has a way of writing in unexpected plot twists. For KU grad Mugabi Byenkya, his journey to a career as a writer, poet and "occasional" rapper has been anything but predictable. Adapting to shifting circumstances, often brought on by debilitating bouts of…
Hawks to Watch: Estelle Johnson, professional athlete
Why Estelle's a Hawk to Watch:What does it take to become a pro athlete? Agility, strength, high levels of grit, and a growth mindset, for sure. But in addition to all the physical discipline and long hours of exertion required for a career in athletics, having solid communication skills is…
Hawks to Watch: Brett Striker, Entrepreneur
Why Brett's a Hawk to Watch:Fair warning: You might want to grab a snack before reading about our November Hawk to Watch, Brett Striker, CEO and founder of the Minneapolis-based popcorn company Maddy & Maize. At Maddy & Maize, Brett and his team are feeling the holiday rush in full force,…
Hawks to Watch, Julie Mulvihill, Nonprofit director and humanities advocate
Why Julie's a Hawk to Watch:Every great movement begins with an idea. And when Kansans from diverse backgrounds come together to share their experiences, ask the right questions, and exchange ideas, the possibilities are endless, something that Julie Mulvihill knows well from her years…
Hawks to Watch: Carlos Centeno, Economic development innovator
Why Carlos is a Hawk to Watch:When disaster strikes, we count on rapid responses, and carefully reasoned plans, from those with the experience, expertise and steady-handedness to get right to the heart of the matter during high-stress scenarios.From climate change and weather emergencies to…