The official state Christmas tree ornament for Kansas this year recognizes the 150th anniversary of the founding of Washburn University, which is coming up in 2015.
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback unveiled the ornament at the governor's residence. Washburn President Jerry Farley called it an honor and noted the strong connection between the state and the school.
“We were an institution that admitted everyone that would come. We admitted women, African-Americans, and other minorities from the very beginning of our existence, which is really a part of the history of Kansas as well,” said Farley.
The ornament will appear on the tree at Cedar Crest in Topeka and on the state Christmas tree in Washington, D.C.