Category Archives: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum, History, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Celebrating Unsung Hero James Reese Europe

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James Reese Europe. Submitted photo.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Announces

a Grant from Humanities Kansas to Celebrate 

Unsung Hero James Reese Europe and Black History Month

 

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung  Heroes received a $300 grant from Humanities Kansas to celebrate the life and accomplishments of one of the founders of Ragtime and Jazz and a true Unsung Hero – James Reese Europe.

The grant will support a special presentation by Internationally renowned musician and historian Lem Sheppard.

Lem Sheppard. Submitted photo.

Sheppard will present “African American Musicians in Kansas 1860-1920. Particular attention will be paid to music and musicians in historic Fort Scott!

Also included are a soup lunch, music by the Fort Scott High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Justin Robinson, and a cakewalk just like 100 years ago!

The event will take place at the Ellis Center at FSCC on Thursday, February 15th, at 11:00 am.

 

The event is free, and all are welcome!

 

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

 

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. The Center also works to educate the local community on its past, present, and future.

 

About the Gordon Parks Museum: The Mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, an internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

LMC Reaches All Time High For Visitors

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December 22, 2023                                                          Volume 15

FORT SCOTT, KS – December 14, 2023 – Since its establishment in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has welcomed visitors from across the globe, representing 109 countries and all 50 states in the US. On December 14, 2023, the center achieved another significant milestone, welcoming its 14,226th visitor for the year, marking its highest annual visitor count.

Denymh Smith, a Fort Worth, Texas student attending Fort Scott Community College, was recognized as the distinguished visitor for 2023. Accompanied by members of his basketball team, DJ McDonald from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Bryce Journee from Owasso, Oklahoma, Denymh received special gifts from the Center to commemorate this important milestone for 2023. Expressing his enthusiasm for history and reading, Denymh was particularly delighted to receive a copy of “Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project.” The Center thanks Denymh for his interest and congratulates him on being the 14,226th Visitor for 2023!

Visitors such as Denymh and his companions play a crucial role in advancing the mission of the Center. As they delve into the stories of the featured Unsung Heroes and share their impactful contributions to the history of our country and the world, the Center continues to flourish. As interest increases, the number of projects submitted to the Discovery Award and ArtEffect competitions rise. Consequently, new Unsung Hero exhibits are consistently being added to the Lowell Milken Center’s Hall of Heroes, the Lowell Milken Park, and the Center’s website. These unsung heroes serve as inspirational role models, motivating all who learn about them to strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Newletter December 2023

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December 7, 2023                                                           Volume 14

WISHING YOU WARMTH AND JOY

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON🌟❄️🔔

Dear Friends,

As the holiday season approaches, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to each of you who has visited and supported the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes throughout the year.

May this festive season be a tapestry of joy and cheer for you and your loved ones. Your commitment to our mission has made a significant impact, and we are grateful for the positive change we have achieved together.

As we reflect on the past year, we look forward with excitement to the opportunities the future holds. Thank you for being an essential part of our efforts.

We wish you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with warmth, happiness, and the joy of giving.

Merry Christmas 🎄, Happy Hanukkah 🕎, and Happy Holidays 🌟!

Lowell Milken Park was adorned with the enchanting glow of festive lights during the inaugural Christmas on the Bricks event in downtown Fort Scott. The heartwarming sight welcomed over 100 visitors as we remained open late Friday night, spreading joy and holiday cheer and sharing stories of unsung heroes. Lowell Milken Park took center stage and played a large part in this inaugural holiday event.🎄✨

Discovery Award Updates

🏆 EXCITING DISCOVERY AWARD NEWS FOR EDUCATORS & STUDENTS! 🌟

Attention, educators working on the Discovery Award project with your students! Brace yourselves for some fantastic updates:

This year’s Discovery Award is better than ever, offering nearly $25,000 in prizes for your talented students! 🎉 But hold on—there’s more! We’re thrilled to introduce new awards exclusively for the amazing teachers guiding and inspiring our young learners! 🍎🏅

For any guidance, assistance, or questions, contact Norm Conard at [email protected] or Megan Felt at [email protected].

Get ready to witness the incredible projects you and your students will create this year! 🚀📚 Stay tuned for more updates and inspiration as we embark on this exciting Discovery Award journey together.

Discovery Award Project Spotlight

The Outstanding Middle School Project in the 2023 Discovery Award Competition. One of the award winners was Rehan Mathew Koshy from Edison Regional Gifted Center, Chicago, IL. Check out Rehan Mathew’s moving documentary, Andrée de Jongh: Faster than a Comet, at https://bit.ly/Andree_de_Jongh.

Stay tuned for more incredible award-winning projects coming your way!

ARTEFFECT Updates

“StorytellingThrough Art” Online Session

Wednesday, December 13 | 4:00-5:15 PM (Pacific Time)
Register Here

All educators are invited to join this session on “Storytelling Through Art,” led by award-winning educator Brad LeDuc. Explore strategies to support your students in their visual storytelling about the Unsung Heroes. Attendees to the live session will receive a Certificate of Participation. All registrants will receive the lesson plan and session recording. Free to join—registration required.

The 2023-2024 ARTEFFECT visual art competition is now underway and open through May 1, 2024. Middle and high school students are invited to creatively interpret the story of an Unsung Hero through an original visual artwork accompanied by an impact statement. Learn more here!

Fellows News and Updates

We had the privilege of hosting the First Place winners of the 2023 Discovery Award competition at the LMC! 11th graders Paige Franzen, Kadence Huck, and Callahan Levi from Nashua-Plainfield High School in Nashua, Iowa, claimed the $2,500 First Prize award. They were accompanied by their teacher, 2022 LMC Fellow Suzy Turner. During their visit, these talented students lent their expertise to assist us in developing a unique new exhibit honoring their Unsung Hero, Dr. Christine Grant.

Their award-winning documentary beautifully captures the life and impactful journey of Dr. Christine Grant, a trailblazer for equity in women’s sports programs. She left an indelible mark as a legendary women’s field hockey coach and the first director of women’s intercollegiate athletics at the University of Iowa.

Congratulations again to Paige, Kadence, and Callahan! Your achievements are not only commendable but also an inspiration to future generations. Thank you for sharing the impactful story of Dr. Christine Grant with the world. The new exhibit panel is made possible by a grant from Kansas Commerce and Kansas Tourism. We look forward to unveiling the new panel in the summer of 2024.

LMC News and Updates

With a grant from Evergy, we brought Operation Wildlife to the Lowell Milken Center in celebration of our unsung environmentalist hero, Jacob Valentine.

When it gets warmer, we plan to have a program featuring a bald eagle in Lowell Milken Park. Executive Director Norm Conard said, “This was one of the best programs of the year! We had a full house for each presentation, and those who attended fell in love with these beautiful creatures.”

We’re excited to announce the launch of a new segment in our newsletter, The Ripple Effect.

This space is dedicated to sharing the remarkable stories and heartfelt experiences of teachers and students whose lives have been touched by Unsung Hero Projects.

Through personal reflections, anecdotes, and insightful conversations, we will explore how Unsung Hero Projects have sowed the seeds of change, fostering a spirit of innovation, empathy, and resilience. Get ready to be moved by stories of hope, growth, and lasting impact.

Here’s what Lana had to say:

Being an LMC fellow and integrating unsung hero projects into my curriculum has profoundly shaped my teaching philosophy and style. It’s like adding a splash of color to my teaching canvas! It has encouraged my students and me to dive into unique historical perspectives (ones often sidelined in textbooks), which I am able to share with my class and as an advisor for National History Day. Equally impactful was the emphasis on research and writing skills. I’ve witnessed my students evolve into adept researchers, crafting articulate narratives. This fellowship transformed my classroom into a vibrant learning space where historical exploration is not just a lesson but a thrilling journey, fostering curiosity and critical thinking in every student.

The unsung hero projects make history come alive, helping my students connect the dots and write compelling stories they wouldn’t normally explore. Being at an art school has also given them the space to shape their craft while still being engaged in social sciences in a unique way. I love learning about the different topics along with the students, nudging them to push themselves outside their comfort zones and really make a connection between their unsung heroes and themselves. Seeing their accomplishments and their pride in themselves, or their random emails at 11:30 pm saying, “Mrs. S, I found someone to interview, and I’m so excited because they emailed me back!” only fuels the excitement for me. When I receive emails from parents saying they’ve seen growth and a positive difference in their child while working on the project, I know I am doing what I was meant to do.

Last year, one of my students was awarded an Honorable Mention from LMC. I gently nudged her to use her voice and performing skills to share her story. The fact that I have a platform to give students a voice and choice in how they present their research is something I do not take for granted. When I asked her what the most memorable experience of her journey was, here’s what she said: “The moment I realized the direction of my project was when you told me to focus on the story I wanted to tell: the Korean American business owners. I recognized then that telling one person’s story could help me connect the stories around them. The amount of effort and time you dedicated to revising my project is something I deeply appreciate. Through your coaching, I was able to explore so many topics of Asian American history that I would not be able to learn through the school curriculum. The Lum v Rice case left such a significant impact on my understanding of Asian American history, and the dedication of Katherine Lum has inspired me so many times.”

Integrating unsung hero projects into my curriculum made history come alive, helping my students connect the dots and write compelling stories. It’s like watching a flower bloom – their research and writing skills have blossomed. Thanks to this experience, my classroom is a place of excitement and curiosity, where every day is an adventure into the past. Students develop empathy and compassion through the research project, whether they know it or not.

Copyright (C) 2023 Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes 1 South Main St Fort Scott, KS 66701 USA
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Tree of Heroes Tradition to Honor Heroes in Our Lives

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes…..

The Perfect Gift!

Join us in spreading holiday cheer and honoring our heroes!

Purchase a special ornament and be part of our new “Tree of Heroes” tradition. Your contribution supports those who make a positive difference every day.

One Custom Ornament – $5

(placed on the Tree of Heroes at the LMC)

Set of Two Ornaments – $15

One Custom Ornament

(placed on the Tree of Heroes at the LMC)

One Gift Ornament

(gift wrapped to give to your Hero)

The perfect gift for

*Parents

*Grandparents

*Teachers

*Role Models

Ornaments available for purchase at the

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

1 South Main St. Fort Scott, KS 66701

Let’s fill the tree with gratitude and love!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center Participating in the 35th Annual Toybox Campaign

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The Lowell Milken Center has joined the 35th Annual Toybox campaign which runs through December 12. It is one of the 4-States’ largest toy drives to benefit underprivileged children in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Missouri, and Northeast Oklahoma. KOAM News Now, Salvation Army and many other community service organizations and businesses have organized this worthwhile endeavor.

 

In Fort Scott, new, unwrapped toys for children birth through 16 years of age may be dropped off during regular business hours at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main. (The Lowell Milken Center is open from 10 am–5 pm, M-F, and 10 am–4 pm on Saturdays.) The toys will be distributed through Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army here in Bourbon County.

 

Toybox Tuesday Telethons will be conducted during the Noon, 5:00, 6:00, and 9:00 pm newscasts on KOAM and FOX14 and its KOAM+ streaming platforms.  Dates for the telethons are November 28, December 5, and December 12. Viewers have the opportunity to make a tax-deductible financial contribution to support Toybox during the telethons. All monies raised are used to purchase new toys and gifts.

 

Additional information can be found at http://koamnewsnow.com/Toybox.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center Participating in the 35th Annual Toybox Campaign

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The Lowell Milken Center has joined the 35th Annual Toybox campaign which runs through December 12. It is one of the 4-States’ largest toy drives to benefit underprivileged children in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Missouri, and Northeast Oklahoma. KOAM News Now, Salvation Army and many other community service organizations and businesses have organized this worthwhile endeavor.

 

In Fort Scott, new, unwrapped toys for children birth through 16 years of age may be dropped off during regular business hours at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main or at Care4All at 2 W. 18th St. (The Lowell Milken Center is open from 10 am–5 pm, M-F, and 10 am–4 pm on Saturdays.) The toys will be distributed through Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army here in Bourbon County to families who have registered for holiday assistance.

 

Toybox Tuesday Telethons will be conducted during the Noon, 5:00, 6:00, and 9:00 pm newscasts on KOAM and FOX14 and its KOAM+ streaming platforms.  Dates for the telethons are November 28, December 5, and December 12. Viewers have the opportunity to make a tax-deductible financial contribution to support Toybox during the telethons. All monies raised are used to purchase new toys and gifts.

 

Additional information can be found at http://koamnewsnow.com/Toybox.

 

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Honor Your Hero This Holiday Season at Lowell Milken Center

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The Lowell Milken Center is located at the corner of First and Wall Streets.

This holiday season, the community can donate to the mission of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes and receive a gift for their heroes, whether it is a parent, grandparent, teacher, aunt, uncle, or any other role models who have made a difference in their life, ,according to Megan Felt, LMC Program Director.

“The Center would like to recognize the special heroes in the lives of its visitors,” Felt said.

A gift-wrapped Lowell Milken Center Hero ornament. Submitted photo.

“For $15 you can get a set of two ornaments that say ‘Merry Christmas-You Are My Hero’ one is glass and comes gift-wrapped,” Kayla Cannon, LMC docent/administrative assistant and graphic designer said. “A (second) wooden one will be displayed on the Tree of Heros with the name of your hero at the Center.”

The glass ornament can be purchased to give to someone to honor them as a hero. Submitted photo.

“For a $5 donation one can get a wooden one with the name of the hero on it, to be displayed at the Center,” Cannon said. “There will be several wooden ones to choose from a bell, tree, snowflake, or reindeer.”

A photo of one of the wooden ornament options for honoring a special hero. Submitted photo.
“All donations are matched by the Milken Family Foundation,” Cannon said. ” Donations support the Lowell Milken Center’s educational outreach programs.”

“All visitors are encouraged to visit the Center and recognize the unsung heroes who make their lives better every day,” said Felt.

“This is a beautiful opportunity to let those personal heroes see their names on the Tree of Heroes and to receive a special gift honoring all they do for others,” she said.

The Center is located at 1 S. Main in historic downtown Fort Scott.

Hours of operation are Monday through  Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Center will be closed on Tuesday, November 28.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Kansas Tourism Grant Awarded to Lowell Milken Center

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Lowell Milken Center Announces Attraction Development Grant from Kansas Tourism and the Kansas Department of Commerce

 

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung  Heroes received a $6,000 Attraction Development grant from Kansas Tourism! The grant will be used for new panels for unsung hero Cristine Grant, who was a national voice in the fight for gender equity in sports, and unsung hero Susan LaFleche, the first Native American doctor. The grant will also be used for a re-development of museum kiosks.

 

 

 

Kansas Tourism: The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas, and to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. The vision of Kansas Tourism is a better quality of life for all Kansans through a strong travel industry and economic prosperity, ensuring all travelers feel welcome and are provided the resources to create awe-inspiring experiences.

 

 

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes.

 

 

 

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

LMC Newsletter November 9

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November 9, 2023                                                    Volume 13

🌟 November is National Native American Heritage Month! 🌟

This month, we honor the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Native Americans. Today, we pay tribute to one of our newest unsung heroes,

Susan LaFlesche Picotte.

Susan LaFlesche Picotte became the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Born in 1865 on the Omaha Reservation, she dedicated her life to improving the health and well-being of her community. Dr. Picotte’s unwavering determination and commitment to her people continue to inspire us today.

We will be sharing additional stories of Native American Unsung Heroes on our social media throughout the month of November, so be sure to follow us!

Madison Glidden was the recipient of the Outstanding High School Project in this year’s Discovery Award Competition. Not only did she learn that her documentary on Susan LaFlesche Picotte was one of the top projects in the country, she was also surprised with this congratulatory video from the author who wrote the biography on Susan LaFlesche Picotte!
Joe Starita's Message to Madison Glidden

Discovery Award Updates

🏆 EXCITING NEWS FOR EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS 🏆

Are you currently working on the Discovery Award project with your students? We have some fantastic updates to share with you!

This year, the Discovery Award is bigger and better than ever, with nearly $25,000 in prizes up for grabs for your talented students. 🌟

But wait! We haven’t forgotten about the incredible educators who guide and inspire our young learners. We’re thrilled to announce that there are also a few new awards just for teachers. 🍎🏅

If you ever find yourself in need of guidance, assistance, or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Norm and Megan are here to help and can be reached at the following email addresses:

Norm Conard: [email protected]

Megan Felt: [email protected]

We can’t wait to see the amazing projects that you and your students will create this year! 🚀📚

Stay tuned for more updates and inspiration as we embark on this exciting Discovery Award journey together.

ARTEFFECT Updates

ARTEFFECT is running a series of free online webinars exploring themes and strategies for teaching and learning with the LMC Unsung Heroes through the visual arts. Sessions will explore project-based, art-based lesson plans to bring these diverse stories to K-12 students.

View the sessions: ARTEFFECT Professional Development OnlineSessions

Congratulations to the inaugural ARTEFFECT Ambassadors! We are so excited for these top 28 educators from across the U.S. and Canada! We look forward to their visual art explorations with K12 students and communities on the unsung heroes in the year ahead. View the Ambssador’s profiles: https://lnkd.in/gKaaY8RQ

Fellows News and Updates

2019 Fellow Wesley Hedgepeth, is the 2023-2024 President of National Council for the Social Studies. Information about the 103rd NCSS Conference can be found here:

https://www.socialstudies.org/sites/default/files/ncss2023/ncss2023-conference-preview-9-19.pdf

The website is: www.socialstudies.org/conference

LMC News and Updates

🍂 As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze fills the air, there’s no better time to plan your visit to the Lowell Milken Center. The autumn months bring a special charm to our center, with vibrant foliage, a cozy atmosphere, and the warm welcome that awaits you.

Discover the magic of Unsung Heroes as you explore our inspiring exhibits and stroll through Unsung Hero Park while enjoying the beautiful weather.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another memorable experience, autumn at LMC offers a unique backdrop for learning, inspiration, and reflection.
a woman standing next to a sign in a park

Leadership inspires trust and confidence. Each of the fifty states has a Commissioner of Education who is a key to the success of the schools in that state. Our commissioner in Kansas is Randy Watson, an exceptional leader who promotes harmony and teamwork among administrators and teachers across the state. Kansas’ long history of notable leaders includes Andy Tompkins, a passionate advocate for education with a strong belief in the potential for all Kansans to learn, Dale Dennis, whose legendary career provided critical leadership in working with the state legislature, and Bob Gast, who strengthened teacher recognition across the state. These leaders, along with others past and present, have created and shaped the drive and purpose within Kansas schools. We offer a special salute to all Kansas teachers and our current Commissioner, Randy Watson.

(Pictured is Norm with Randy Watson at the 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year banquet).
Click to order Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project

We’re excited to announce the launch of a new segment in our newsletter, “The Ripple Effect.” This space is dedicated to sharing the remarkable stories and heartfelt experiences of teachers and students whose lives have been touched by Unsung Hero Projects.

Through personal reflections, anecdotes, and insightful conversations, we will explore how Unsung Hero Projects have sowed the seeds of change, fostering a spirit of innovation, empathy, and resilience. Get ready to be moved by stories of hope, growth, and lasting impact.

Here’s what Suzy had to say:

“The most rewarding aspect of working with students on the unsung heroes projects is seeing how invested they become in researching their heroes and making sure they get the story right. The students feel like they know their heroes and they want others to feel their impact as well. As a result, they work tirelessly on their projects, continuously making edits to refine and improve them.”

Challenges and successes:

“Out of the challenges come the successes. When my students were researching Barbara Fassbinder, they had difficulty finding any primary source news footage on her, although they knew she’d been interviewed during her advocacy work. Her husband mentioned he had a box of old videotapes that he’d loan to them. However, they were VCR tapes and many were damaged significantly. We were fortunate to find a man locally who possessed the technology to transfer the films to digital, repair and restore the video and sound tracks, and provide the students with 20 usable news clips and programs for their research and use in their documentary. They were also then able to give these files to the family, including Barbara’s three children, who hadn’t seen many of them before. It was such a moving experience for the kids and the family.”

“Other successes and memorable experiences have been the interviews that really connect the students to people who knew and were affected by their hero. My students who researched Dr. Christine Grant, had the opportunity to interview Lisa Bluder, the University of Iowa’s Women’s Basketball coach about her relationship with Dr. Grant and how her Title IX advocacy work continues to impact women’s athletics at Iowa and nationwide. Since two of the students involved in the Grant documentary are high level female student athletes who will be competing at the college level in sports, that message particularly resonated with them. As such, Grant’s heroism was brought to life and became personal for these students, who didn’t even know who she was a year ago.”
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Predator Birds Will Be Presented at Lowell Milken Center Tomorrow

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On November 9th, at 3:00 p.m. at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, the staff will be honoring the environmentalist and conservationist unsung hero Jacob Valentine, III.

Jacob was responsible for saving the Mississippi Sandhill Crane from extinction.

EVERGY has awarded the Center a grant to bring Operation Wildlife from Linwood, Kansas to present “Predator Birds,” an assortment of live hawks and owls who will be here to teach us the importance of predator birds in our world!

“I hope each of you can come join us for a really fun and exciting presentation and I look forward to greeting you Thursday afternoon here at the Center,” said Ronda Hassig, a spokesperson for
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.
History, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Youth

Award-Winning Teacher and Students Visit the Lowell Milken Center

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Paige Franzen, Kadence Huck, and Callahan Levi, winners of the $2,500 First Prize in the Lowell Milken Center’s 2023 International Discovery Award competition, will be guests at the LMC on Thursday, November 2nd.

These 11th-grade students from Nashua-Plainfield High School in Nashua, Iowa, along with their award-winning social studies teacher, Suzy Turner, a 2022 LMC Fellow, are in Fort Scott to collaborate with the LMC staff on the production of a new exhibit panel for the Center’s Hall of Heroes.

The new exhibit will feature Unsung Hero Christine Grant, the subject of the students’ award-winning project. Their documentary, Why Not Us? Dr. Christine Grant’s Pursuit of Gender Equality, shares the story of Dr. Grant’s significant contributions to furthering gender equality in collegiate sports. As the decades-long athletic director at the University of Iowa, Grant embraced the historic passing of Title IX, building a highly recognized and unprecedented women’s athletic program.

Through their interviews with Grant’s previous students, mentees, and colleagues, the Nashua students were able to provide firsthand insight into the legacy she left behind. This information will be a valuable resource as the Lowell Milken Center staff works with Suzy Turner and her students to create a powerful new exhibit.

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within diverse academic disciplines to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, we advocate for the student’s unsung heroes by sharing them in our Hall of Unsung Heroes or our website so people all over the world discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others. The Hall of Unsung Heroes is proudly located in Southeast Kansas and showcases some of the top projects developed in collaboration with the Center.