Delta Upsilon - University of Kansas

Page 3 Delta upsilon i s h e d A l u m n i K ansas DU alumnus Matt Keenan '81 recently celebrated 30 years at the Kansas City law firm, Shook, Hardy & Bacon. He is the second most senior partner in the firm's pharmaceutical and medical device division, where they defend litigation against some of the country's top drug and device companies. Matt graduated from KU with a B.A. in liberal arts in 1981, and later from KU Law in 1984. If you do the math, he's been with the firm for almost as long as he's been out of school. That dedication and work ethic has led to a fantastic career that spans three decades. In that time, Matt has chaired the firm's pro bono committee, which has allowed him to help shape and direct the firm's efforts to provide free legal services to the poor and indigent populations in Kansas City, and in the 11 other cities where the firm has offices. This has allowed him to personally handle cases for toddlers, teenagers, and parents who otherwise could not afford it. These efforts have earned the firm special recognition by the Kansas Bar Association. Matt should be used to special recognition by now as he is also named one of Kansas DU's 2016 Distinguished Alumni. "This is very meaningful," Matt said, "especially considering all those with whom I share this honor, including Dick Wintermote '51, Don Slawson '55, Jerry Nossaman '60, Gene Camarena '79, Bryan LaGree '80, and John Holt '81. John was my best friend from high school and a triple legacy. He's the reason I originally joined DU, so without him I wouldn't even be here to accept this honor. "One thing I am most proud of from my days at KU was that I lived in the house all four years. There were five of us who stayed for all four years. I can't turn back the clock and convince kids today why this is important to them and to their brothers in the house, but I'm still hopeful some of the men today see the value in staying on Emory Road. In the '70s, the refrain we often heard was, 'Do you think this is a hotel?' I hope our undergraduates know the answer to that question and show a commitment that reflects something more than you'd give to a Marriott or Hyatt. DU was founded on four main principles: friendship, character, culture, and justice. I believe that through these four principles our members learn to excel not only in college, but throughout their entire lives. I know for sure those values are big part of who I am today. " Matt and his wife, Lori, an Alpha Chi Omega from KU, have been married for 28 years and live in Leawood, Kansas. They have three sons, Connor, Tommy, and Robert, and one daughter, Maggie. Matt spends his off time writing for the Kansas City Star, something he has done for 17 years. Over that time, his column has been recognized by the Kansas City Press Club as an award-winning column with a focus on humor. He also writes a column for the Kansas Bar Journal, which is provided to Kansas attorneys. You can contact Matt at mkeenan@shb.com. DU was founded on four main principles: friendship, character, culture, and justice. I believe that through these four principles our members learn to excel not only in college, but throughout their entire lives. I know for sure those values are big part of who I am today. MATT KEENAN '81 SHARES THE VALUE OF KANSAS DU Michael W. Lawrence '88 Blake C. Wells '89 Michael W. Harris '92 Grant O. Kaufman '92 Jay M. McGrath '92 Jacob D. Wassenberg '97 1025 Club ($500 to $999) Dr. John L. Reese '57 Bruce E. Taber '58 Warren A. Wandling '59 Max L. Schardein '62 Mark L. Miller '70 Jeffrey A. Wheat '86 Tom C. Stevens '87 John K. White '96 David F. Dummermuth '98 Blue & Gold Club ($150 to $499) D. Robert Buechel, M.D. '47 George W. Francis '50 James G. Mason '51 William C. Salome III '52 Thomas W. Childers '56 Dr. John L. Reese '57 Bruce E. Taber '58 William L. Mitchell '59 Warren A. Wandling '59 Gary K. Hackett '60 Larry K. Burke '61 Peter G. Aylward '63 Halley E. Kampschroeder '67 Mark L. Miller '70 James E. Cram '71 Spencer Davies '73 David K. Markham '74 Scott A. Wells '75 Steven J. Roth '79 Steven W. Smith '81 David L. Anderson '85 Charles T. Hinshaw III '85 Mark J. Ritter '85 James V. Traylor '85 Jeffrey A. Wheat '86 Tom C. Stevens '87 Thomas L. Holt '88 Jason Tyrer '92 Jason J. Stafford '94 John K. White '96 David F. Dummermuth '98 Michael E. Johnson, D.D.S. '01 Dallas Rakestraw '03 Brett T. Koehn '11 Jayhawk Club ($25 to $149) Vance N. Elder '49 Albert N. Tyler III '50 Dr. Kendrick C. Davidson '52 William C. Brainard '56 Stephen B. Kurtz '61 Scott M. Bales '80 Mark W. Cummings '80 Christopher K. Boyd '81 G. Thomas Rowe Jr. '85 Bradford S. Fitts '91 Chris Albrecht '08 James H. Buddig '10 Donate to Kansas DU's annual campaign today! www.kansasdu.com/giving- back/support-kansas-du

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