Lew Perkins is a Civic Giant: November 2008

November 1, 2008

Kansas City, MO.—At six-foot-seven, Director of Kansas Athletics Lew Perkins frequently stands out in the crowd. Perkins' many accomplishments, awards, recognitions and championships at the University of Kansas have made a lasting impression on the campus. Yet, perhaps what is more important, Perkins provides a healthy direction for the students, guiding them at a very impressionable time in their lives.

As a result, Perkins is the first recipient of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City's (Blue KC) Civic Giant Award, the organization's first recognition of a leader who has been a good friend to Kansas City and who has made a lasting and healthy difference in our community at large.

The award will be presented to Perkins at halftime during Game 2 of the O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic at the Sprint Center on Monday, November 24, 2008. Kansas plays Washington and Syracuse plays Florida that evening in a semi-final doubleheader.

"Lew Perkins and his KU coaches and athletes create positive role models for young people throughout our region. These life-long impressions are essential for healthy living and healthy communities like ours," said Tom Bowser, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. "Thanks to Lew, students are becoming champs in life. And, we say thanks to Lew for being such a good neighbor by showcasing many of the KU Athletic programs in the Kansas City area."

As Director of Kansas Athletics since 2003, Perkins has helped guide the KU football team to an Orange Bowl victory and the KU basketball team to a national championship in 2008. He's overseen multiple upgrades and expansions to KU's athletic facilities and has doubled the department's budget. In addition, he is the only college administrator to make the "Top 35" list for Time Magazine's 2008 Top Sports Executive in the World.

Off the field, under his direction, Perkins has provided an unparallel student-athletic experience, providing guidance in nutrition, health and fitness, educational workshops on substance abuse, as well as informed students about healthy relationships and finances, for example. He's rolled out a fitness program with local elementary students and is committed to the CHAMPS/Life Skills program, which recognizes students for academic excellences, athletic excellence, personal and career development and community service.

About Blue KC

Blue KC, the largest not-for-profit health insurer in Missouri and the only not-for-profit commercial health insurer in Kansas City, has been part of the Kansas City community since 1938. Blue KC provides health coverage to more than 900,000 residents in the greater Kansas City area and Northwest Missouri. Blue KC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information on the company, visit our website at www.BlueKC.com. Our mission: to use our role as the area's leading health insurer to provide affordable access to healthcare and to improve the health and wellness of our members.

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