Former Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway received Lawrence Bank’s Star of Excellence Award in August. The award is presented to a community member who has made outstanding contributions to the Lawrence community.

After stepping down as chancellor, Hemenway has kept busy with various public speaking appearances, his new book, new home, new office and new responsibilities.

On Oct. 1, he traveled to Winston-Salem, N.C., to be a guest speaker at The Big Read, an event in honor of author Zora Neale Hurston.

Hemenway’s biography on Hurston has been in circulation for more than 30 years, and he’s currently in the research phase on a new book about American values and intercollegiate athletics.