Government

KU graduate joins national arts council

A Kansas University graduate has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the National Council on the Arts.

James K. Ballinger, director of the Phoenix Art Museum since 1982, was nominated to the 13-member panel by President Bush. Ballinger received his bachelor’s degree in history from KU in 1971 and his master’s degree in history of art in 1974.

Ballinger, a specialist in American art, has directed several major exhibitions, including “Americans in Brittany and Normandy 1860-1910,” “Diego Rivera: The Cubist Years,” “Frank Lloyd Wright Drawings” and “Frederic Remington’s Southwest.”

The arts council advises Dana Gioia, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, on policies and programs. The panel reviews and makes recommendations on applications for grants, funding guidelines and leadership initiatives.

Baldwin

Baker ceremonies set for winter graduates

Nearly 500 degrees will be conferred during Baker University’s winter graduation ceremonies Sunday at the Collins Sports and Convention Center in Baldwin.

Ceremonies are planned at 1 p.m. for undergraduate students and 4:30 p.m. for graduate-level students in the School of Professional and Graduate Studies.

Michael Braude, retired president and CEO of the Kansas City Board of Trade, will speak at the earlier ceremony. Michael R. Zedek will address graduates at the 4:30 p.m. ceremony.

A graduation-day worship service will be at 9:30 a.m. at the Osborne Memorial Chapel, followed by a commencement luncheon between 10:30 a.m. and noon at the Harter Union.