From left, Victor Bailey, Leonard Krishtalka and Jim Mechler attend the KU First Campaign party. The event was Jan. 21 in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

From left, Judy Wright, Lawrence, and Barbara and Del Williamson, of Palm Beach, Fla., attend the KU First Campaign Party in the Kansas Union Ballroom. The KU Endowment Association had the event Jan. 21 to announce the KU First campaign raised 53.8 million.

From left, Maryann Gravino-Askew, Susie Clinton and Al Clinton attend an open house at Valley Lane Studios in Lawrence. The event was Dec. 19.

Nancy and Hunter Lott, of Lawrence, pose for a picture during the KU First Campaign Party in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

From left, Cheryl and Ken Audus and Angela and Patrick Valadez attend the KU First Campaign party in the Kansas Union Ballroom. The KU Endowment Association had the event Jan. 21 to announce the KU First campaign raised 53.8 million.

Bill Berkowitz, left, poses with the new Pelathe District officers, from left, Tom Sheely, vice chairman; John Scott, commissioner; and John Scarffe, district chairman. Berkowitz installed the officers Jan. 15 during the Pelathe District Volunteer Recognition dinner at the First United Methodist Church.

Artists of Valley Lane Studios gather to celebrate an open house at the studios, 1335 Valley Lane. These artists have met on weekends to paint and draw together for at least the past 15 years. The party was Dec. 19. Back row, from left, are Martin Cheng, Hobart Jackson, Ted Johnson, Gail Underwood, Dave Beal and Al Clinton; front row, from left, Carol Bradbury, Maryann Gravino-Askew and Gwyn Kitos. Not pictured are Alice Broughton and Bob Sudlow.