“It just depends on how people grew up, if they had any connection to KU or K-State or another school. Also, basketball.”

— Rebecca Fensholt, student, Olathe

“I think a lot of people respect our basketball skills. Also, they think of it as this liberal oasis.”

— Fran Soto, student , Lawrence

“It's the blue dot in a large, red pond.”

— Brian Carnaby, graduate student, Omaha, Neb.

““Any rural area in Kansas would think of us as super-liberal hippies.””

— Catherine Brown, graduate teaching assistant, Lawrence