January 31, 2023
To the Stars…
Holidays offer people time to reflect. This past Sunday, January 29, was Kansas Day: The day we celebrate our statehood and how far our state has come and where it is headed. Where is Kansas heading? As part of our state motto – ad astra – says, to the stars!
There is an additional part of the motto that we often leave off – per aspera – meaning “with difficulties.” Ad Astra per Aspera recognizes that progress does not come without difficulties. In fact, it also implies that progress is often the direct result of actions taken to overcome life’s difficulties and challenges.
Where would Kansas be without K-State Research and Extension?
K-State Research and Extension has been helping Kansans and Kansas communities overcome challenges, what we refer to as our Grand Challenges, since 1914.
Think about all the livestock and crop improvements that K-State Research and Extension has enabled our farmers and ranchers to achieve during that time.
Think about all the health and wellbeing improvements Kansans have enjoyed as a result of our research and extension programs.
While we are concerned about the Ogallala Aquifer and our other Kansas natural resources today, where would they be if not for the conservation and stewardship research and education programs of K-State Research and Extension.
Where would our communities be without our community vitality efforts? Without 4-H, KARL and our other leadership development programs, would we have developed the leadership capacity in the state to seize on the opportunities that difficulties and challenges often present.
If you haven’t seen it, this weekend K-State Research and Extension shared a video of some of our colleagues who discussed Kansas Day and celebrated ways in which K-State Research and Extension has helped Kansas to become an even better state. I encourage you to watch it by following this link: https://youtu.be/qgI2HgFztrU.
Be proud and celebrate Kansas, but also be proud and celebrate how you and your K-State Research and Extension colleagues have facilitated and empowered Kansas’ progress over the years and in the years to come.
Ad Astra per Aspera!