Graduates from Lawrence’s high schools and Haskell Indian Nations University already are on their way, and commencement ceremonies are scheduled today for Kansas University and Baker University in Baldwin.

Lawrence and Douglas County are blessed by being home to fine K-12 schools as well as three distinctive universities. Baker University, a United Methodist college, is the state’s oldest four-year university. Haskell fills an important niche by offering college courses and baccalaureate degrees to the American Indian population. Kansas University is the state’s flagship institution, the largest state university with the most comprehensive program of education and research.

There’s no doubt that we value education here, as well as the contribution of all the people associated with our schools and universities. We hope that those who pass through Lawrence and Douglas County only briefly will have fond memories of their college years that will make them want to return here to visit or to live. Perhaps their paths or those of their children will come this way again.

Whatever adventures lie before this spring’s graduates, we offer our congratulations and our best wishes for their continued success.