One of Baker’s professors is helping to create stronger communities though the humanities. Associate Professor of History Leonard Ortiz recently joined the Kansas Humanities Council (KHC), a nonprofit organization.

“The goal is to make contact with the communities,” Ortiz said, “so they can learn about the histories and experiences of people, have conversations about experiences that are common and unique.”

Ortiz was nominated for a spot on the 22-member organization for his local work in humanities.

“Leonard comes highly recommended,” Executive Director of the KHC Julie Mulvihill said in an email interview. “We are so pleased to have him join the board of directors. His insight and understanding of the humanities will help provide clear leadership and vision as our organization works toward; connecting more communities with the history, traditions and ideas that strengthen civic life in Kansas.”

A statement from the KHC brochure shows a key ideal behind the organization: “Through the humanities – history, literature, philosophy and related areas – we gain understanding of where we’ve been, who we are and what we’ve valued over time and across generations.”

Ortiz says that his responsibilities will be to review polices and grants, participate in council events and recruit people to support the KHC. He will be a member of the council for the next three years, during which he wants to help give voices to those who do not have one.

“I really want to promote diversity in Kansas, not just ethnic, but socio-economic diversity,” Ortiz said. “I know there is an entire population of people [who are] voiceless in Kansas, who need to have their stories told. It’s neat to hear those voices and those stories.”

Ortiz likes the aspect of the council’s events that highlights the little triumphs people have made in the past. He prefers to focus on that than all of the negative news that we see during the evening news.

“They (KHC) have an impact on the entire state of Kansas,” Ortiz said. “They have projects in every county in the state. The projects involved could include, music, literature, poetry, oral histories — anything that’s involved in the humanities-oriented disciplines to express that experience called “cultural transmission.” The council really has Kansas’s best interests at heart.”