The University of Kansas
An Official Employee Publication From the Office of University Relations
A whirlwind of cultural literacy
By Andrea Albright
The sixth annual Wheat State Whirlwind tour wrapped up on May 24, after six days and more than 1,300 miles around the state of Kansas.
About 45 staff, faculty and administrators participated in the trip, which gives new employees of the university a chance to learn about the state’s history, economy, geography and people.
According to a May 29 editorial in the Scott County Record, the tour gives participants and Kansans the opportunity to learn a little more about one another.
“We often think of barriers that exist between people of other nations,” the editorial said. “We often don’t realize that those same barriers to understanding exist within our own state. It’s important for Kansans to know and understand each other a little better.
“The Whirlwind tour has been an important step in doing just that.”
Mary Klayder, a lecturer in the honors English program, said she was using her experience as she advised students during orientation.
“I already have talked about towns with students and colleagues in ways I couldn’t before,” she said. “I have received e-mails from around the state from students asking about classes. These students come from towns that are now clearly on my map.”
Visit www.wheatstate.ku.edu/ for more information about this year’s tour.
