“Mount Oread. KU means everything to me. I’m a double graduate from there, and I work for KU Endowment, and it’s just all about ‘The Hill.’”

— Kathleen Brady, senior development director, Ottawa

“Its liberal politics.”

— Deborah Altus, professor, Lawrence

“It’s the diversity of the town: people, philosophy, ideas.”

— Erika Stanley, environmental scientist, Wichita

“There are so many things to do; good shows to see, a lot of good restaurants, and you can basically get anywhere in town within a 10 minute drive.”

— Chris Everitt, kitchen manager, Lawrence