About the Lecture Series

In honor and memory of Jana Lynne Mackey, the University of Kansas has established the "Jana Mackey Distinguished Lecture Series." The young social activist and feminist was taken from this world before her noble and inspiring work was completed. Jana dedicated her short life to pursuing social justice and true equality for all women. In an effort to continue her important work, this lecture series was established to raise awareness about issues close to Jana's heart, namely breaking down barriers and fostering opportunities to secure women's rights leaders and experts with the dual purpose of enhancing understanding and calling for involvement and service while providing a platform for discussion and dialogue.

About Jana

Jana was well-known throughout Kansas for her advocacy for women's rights. She had spent years volunteering to aid victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. She received her bachelor's degree in Women's Studies from KU and was an active participant in KU's Commission on the Status of Women. Jana also served as one of the youngest lobbyists at the Kansas State Capitol for the National Organization for Women. The most unlikely of domestic violence victims, KU law student Jana Mackey was found dead in her ex-boyfriend's home on July 3, 2008. For more about Jana please visit Jana's Story.

Remembering Jana

“If she had been able to live longer I’m sure she would have made a big difference in the world. But since she can’t, I will try.”
-Kathy Olcott

“To me, Jana was one who had the ability to see past what many of us see on a surface level. She helped people who many deemed to be hopeless, listened to those without a voice, reached out to those who were unreachable, and showed compassion to those who were untouchable…I know that I must strive to take every morsel of regret, rage, fear, and sadness and make it into a positive. That’s what Jana would do, and I challenge myself and others to do the same.”
– Sadie Robb

“As hard as it is to imagine my own life without Jana in it, my heart aches more for a world without Jana. She was the only person I have ever known who had such an infatigueable spirit when it came to fighting the good fight for social justice and women’s rights and was capable of maintaining an outrage at injustice without allowing that outrage to turn her into an angry person.”
- Jennifer Luck

The Jana Mackey Distinguished Lecture Series

Jana's Campaign

In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims of domestic violence, a committed group of activists created Jana’s Campaign, Inc. with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. “We believe it is our responsibility to use the story of Jana’s life and the story of her death to help reduce violence against women.” Through our program activities, Jana’s Campaign aims to play a significant role in breaking the cycle of domestic and dating violence and be a catalyst for social change.

Visit Jana's Campaign online

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About the Lecture Series

Remembering Jana