Jan. 15, 2018

Jennifer Berquist

Board Member Since 2017

One of Lawrence Schools Foundation board member Jennifer Berquist’s great interests is reading, but as she says, only when she can find the time.  It is hard to find enough hours in the day for this busy mother of two, who works full time and volunteers in the community.

Her full-time job as associate athletics director of the Williams Education Fund at Kansas Athletics, is more than 9-5 as she represents the athletics department at different events, not only in town, but throughout the state and around the country.

In Lawrence you can find her with husband Craig at a KU game or at one of her two kids’ events as she supports Landon, a junior at Free State and Claire, a seventh-grader at West Middle School, in their numerous activities.

Berquist began serving on the Lawrence Schools Foundation board in January, 2017 and instantly became actively involved, providing the organization her expertise and willingness to assist the Foundation in every aspect.

She has played an active role in the Foundation’s Community Campaign and supported the success of the Community Education Breakfast and Follies events. She was also quick to volunteer when the Foundation teamed up with the United Way, Salvation Army and Lawrence Rotary Clubs to prepare backpacks with school supplies for district students needing them this fall.

“I believe in being a part of areas where my family is involved, so having two kids in the Lawrence Public Schools made this a natural draw for me,” Berquist said about joining the board. “It is a way for me to give back to the Lawrence community.

“Education is and always will be important to me and my family,” she said. “My husband and I grew up in public schools in small towns. That is what shaped us today. Times have certainly changed, but your education is something that no one can take away from you.”

She points to her job in athletics as to the importance of providing academic opportunities to others.

“My daily work involves raising money for scholarships, so I see firsthand how some individuals would never go to college if they didn’t receive a scholarship,” Berquist said. “The Lawrence Schools Foundation provides things like grants and scholarships to educators and students in the district, which hopefully make a difference in their lives.”