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HOMECOMING 2009

Peace. Love.
Jayhawks.
Presented by:
Baby Jay evolves
Mascot has changed a lot since its 1971 debut. PAGE 6C
Lawrence looks back
The towns hippie culture shaped homecoming. PAGE 8C
Q & A with Chancellor
She refects on tradition and her frst year. PAGE 13C
homecoming 2c monday, october 5, 2009
Greek.....................3
Alumni...................3
Charity...................5
ExCEL.....................5
Baby Jay.................6
Big Jay....................7
Hippies...................8
Timeline.................9
Floats...................10
Events..................10
Columns...............11
ISU vs. KU.............12
Chancellor........... 13
Generations.........14
First......................14
Faculty.................15
Table of contents
BY SHAUNA BLACKMON
sblackmon@kansan.com
Those watching the home-
coming halftime show this
Saturday may notice something
special about the performance of
the KU marching band.
For the past 37 years, the
University has incorporated
band members
young and old
into the home-
coming halftime
show by means
of the KU alumni
band.
The tradi-
tion started very
informally when
a group of former
band members
got together and decided they
wanted a way to participate in
the action again.
Ever since, this group of
between 150 and 200 alumni
has gotten together every year
to rekindle its love for band,
KU fight songs and, of course,
watching the football team win.
The morning of the game,
all of the KU band members,
past and present, get together to
practice a few times before the
big show.
This is the first time this
group will play together and
might be the first
time many of
the alumni band
members have
seen the music in
years.
A lot of the
alumni still play;
some of them
play only once a
year, just at that
event, Thomas
Stidham, associate director of
bands, said.
James Carder, Olathe junior,
has been a member of the
Marching Jayhawks for three
years and has been playing the
trombone for 11.
My favorite part of play-
ing with the alumni
band is that the tra-
dition doesnt leave
when the alumni
graduate, Carder
said. They all came
here and played for
a reason, and just
because they left KU
didnt mean they had
to stop playing com-
pletely.
The marching band will
leave a space in the center for
the alumni band, the two will
separate and the alumni band
will play Wagner Fanfare and
Proud Mary, Stidham said.
Then they will merge back
with the marching band and
everyone will play a few songs
together.
Carder played with the alum-
ni band three years ago and said
while the experience was fun,
some of the veterans knew dif-
ferent arrangements of the same
songs they play now, so there
was some con-
fusion.
C a r d e r
and Stidham
agreed, how-
ever, that the
veterans were
great enough
players that
discrepancies
usually werent
much of a
problem.
I am looking forward to
marching alongside all the vet-
erans that helped make the pro-
gram what it is today, Carder
said. Im sure they are look-
ing forward to it too because
they only get a chance to come
back once a year and relive
what it is to be on the field in
Memorial Stadium on game day
in Lawrence.
Edited by Jonathan Hermes
A musical blast from years past
PErFormAnCE
Alumni band will join current members for halftime show
A lot of the alumni
still play; some of
them play only once
a year.
Thomas sTidham
associate director
of bands
I
was born and bred a Jayhawk.
My dad graduated from
the University in the 70s, and
my mother, despite growing up
in Missouri, is an intensely loyal
KU fan. When I was younger,
my family would make frequent
weekend trips into Lawrence,
especially when my cousin
attended the University in the
late 90s. We enjoyed walking on
campus, eating on Massachusetts
Street, visiting the Natural History
Museum and going to the mall
that used to be by the Kansas
River.
Those early experiences left me
with very positive impressions,
and when I started at the
University last fall, it was almost
like coming home. I had fun
reliving childhood memories
and making new ones, and I fell
more in love with the people,
opportunities and traditions that
make the University so special. I
spent this past summer in Lenexa,
eagerly counting down the days
until I could return home to
Lawrence, and I was overjoyed
when move-in day finally arrived
in mid-August.
This week, alumni get to expe-
rience that same joy when they
return to their alma mater for
homecoming festivities. Alumni
also once called Lawrence home
and are largely responsible for
the Universitys continued excel-
lence. Not only did they start
and shape traditions as students,
they continue to support the
University with donations to the
Kansas University Endowment
Association.
In this special section, readers
will find information about the
annual events and traditions
that undoubtedly helped make
alumnis time at the University
memorable. From the float parade
and pancake feed on the lawn of
Stauffer-Flint Hall, to Chalk n
Rock and Jayhawk Jingles, this
week is sure to have an event
for everyone. Readers will also
encounter stories about members
of the KU community, including
first generation Jayhawks and
alumni that returned as faculty,
and will get a special look at our
mascots, Big Jay and Baby Jay.
As Lawrence fills with alumni
this weekend in anticipation
of the Iowa State matchup on
Saturday, I encourage students
to look around and witness what
life looks like after walking down
the hill. I expect that theyll find
that while times and people
may change, Jayhawk pride and
excitement at coming home to
Lawrence never will.
Note from the editor
I am looking forward
to marching
alongside all the
veterans ...
James Carder
KU band member
BY dANA MereditH
dmeredith@kansan.com
credits
Publisher The University daily Kansan
Editor-in-chief Brenna hawley
managing Editor Jennifer Torline

Special Sections Editor dana meredith
Design Chiefs Nick Gerik
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Copy Chiefs Brandy entsminger
arthur hur
melissa Johnson
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Liz schubauer
et cetera
The University Daily Kansan is the student newspa-
per of the University of Kansas. Homecoming 2009 is a
special section. The frst copy is paid for through the
student activity fee.
Photo Editor Weston White
Senior Photographer ryan Waggoner
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Kansan newsroom
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all contents, unless stated otherwise, 2009
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homecoming 3c monday, october 5, 2009
BY STEFANIE PENN
spenn@kansan.com
Te University of Kansas greek
community is an integral part of
its homecoming tradition.
Each year, the Universitys
chapters contribute to many events,
with some of the 13 sororities and
22 fraternities engaging in this
weeks competitions.
This year, the homecoming
parade will commence on Jayhawk
Boulevard two hours before the
football game kickoff on Saturday.
Each year, it is customary for
fraternities to team with sororities
and build floats seen in the
parade.
The parade is the most visible
event as far as all KU publics
go because students, alums and
kids can all attend, Ashley Moser,
Topeka senior and co-director of
the 2009 Homecoming Steering
Committee, said.
Sign-ups for the parade were
in the spring, and the chapters
earn points for their floats and for
engaging in other homecoming
events.
This year, major points are also
being awarded for participation in
two featured events.
The canned food drive, Stuff
the Bus, took place on Saturday,
and the Jayhawk Jog 5K walk/run
on Sunday.
Money raised from the events
was given to benefit the United
Way coalition.
People who are competitive
participate in all of them, Moser
said.
The Homecoming Steering
Committee created one new
event this year, a YouTube video
competition. The videos were to
be centered around the theme
Peace. Love. Jayhawks.
Steven Elliott, Abilene senior
and co-director of the committee,
said the submitted videos will
be displayed on the Universitys
YouTube channel.
Elliott also said the videos will
be shown in the Union Gallery
at the Kansas Union, which is
supported by Student Union
Activities.
Voting will take place online
at www.homecoming.ku.edu this
week.
This, like many of our other
events, does give participating
groups a chance to win points,
Elliott said.
To ensure that their own
greek houses are participating,
chapters are encouraged to
elect homecoming chairperson
positions.
As a homecoming chair we
make final decisions and plan
the week out, Katherine Goron,
Joliet, Ill., senior and homecoming
chairwoman for Delta Delta Delta,
said.
For the events that need certain
talents, like singing or drawing,
well find people who are good at
those things and have them play a
big part in the event, Goron said.
We work with both chapters to
make sure everyone has a great
time.
The points that the chapters
earn determine the winner and
will be announced on Saturday.
Edited by Anna Kathagnarath

BY RACHEL SCHWARTZ
rschwartz@kansan.com
Homecoming Week 2009 at the
University has officially started.
All students are welcome to par-
ticipate in the festivities of the
week for the next six days.
For the Homecoming Week
Committee at the Alumni Center,
planning for the week begins far
in advance.
Preparation for homecoming
begins a year out, Stefani Gerson,
homecoming adviser, said.
Gerson said preparation for
homecoming 2010 will start at the
end of this October.
Gerson said that shortly after
each years homecoming, the
Athletics Department chooses the
homecoming game for the next
year.
Then the Homecoming Steering
Committee is put together based
on submitted applications and
interviews overseen by the years
co-directors.
The next 10-11 months leading
up to homecoming is spent orga-
nizing the events of the week.
As this years co-directors,
Ashley Moser, Topeka senior, and
Steven Elliott, Abilene senior,
oversee the co-chairs responsible
for putting together the events for
homecoming.
Moser helped with homecoming
last year as the special events co-
chairwoman. As co-director this
year, she has new responsibilities.
Last semester, we helped the
co-chairs shape all of the different
events and we also led the com-
mittee in deciding
the theme for this
year, Moser said.
Even into
September, the
committees were
putting the final
touches on the
different events,
which include
everything from
a comedian show to booths with
free food to sidewalks covered in
chalk murals.
Gerson advised that everyone be
aware of what is going on through-
out the week so that they can
participate in and see the different
parts of Homecoming Week.
You do not have to be in a soror-
ity or a fraternity to be involved,
Gerson said. There are so many
things that go on
throughout the
week, whether it
be stopping at a
table on Wescoe
Beach or creat-
ing a float for the
parade. Anyone
and everyone can
be involved.
Moser said
that the big
Alumni Center
events are on Thursday, includ-
ing the Homecoming Cookout
and Jayhawk Jingles at the Alumni
Center.
The Homecoming Cookout will
be outside the Alumni Center,
weather permitting.
Local restaurant Biggs Barbecue
will provide food at the cookout.
The first 100 or so people who
arrive will be able to participate in
free tie dying, Moser said. There
will also be booths set up by people
from organizations
such as SUA and the
Alumni Center.
During the cook-
out, five different
groups will each per-
form separate song
and dance acts for
Jayhawk Jingles.
Kyle Savage, Clive,
Iowa, junior and spe-
cial events co-chairman, said five
groups of seven to 20 people each
will perform.
The groups auditioned earlier
in the week, and each group will
perform two songs.
The first one is either the fight
song or the alma mater, reworded
a bit to match the Peace. Love.
Jayhawks. theme of this years
homecoming.
The second song
is a song choice that
pertains to the theme
as well.
Savage said he is
looking forward to
the performances.
I am excited to
see all of the jingles,
Savage said. They
were really good last
year; I was in one
and I saw them per-
formed, too. You could tell every-
one had put a lot of time and effort
into them.
Im excited to see everything:
for people to be creative with both
the fight song and their original
song.
On Saturday before the big
homecoming game, there will be a
pancake breakfast on
the lawn of Stauffer-
Flint Hall.
That morning
there will also be the
float parade, which
Gerson said she is
really looking for-
ward to.
I am most excit-
ed about the parade
because I always like
it, said Gerson, who
attended the University for both
her undergraduate and graduate
degrees. The parade was always
one of the things I paid attention
to. I just like parades.
Homecomi ng
events are meant
to benefit all stu-
dents and to pro-
mote school spir-
it, according to
Moser.
We want peo-
ple to know that
the events we plan
are for them,
Moser said.
Moser said she
was certain that, like in the past,
this years homecoming would be
a success.
She said she was excited not
only for Homecoming Week but
also to be able to look back and be
proud of all the committee accom-
plished.
I cant wait to look back on
Saturday at the week and see how
hard everyone has worked and
to see how people have improved
their events from past years,
Moser said.
Hopefully, people will have at
least one good memory, if not
more, of this years Homecoming
Week.
Edited by Abbey Strusz
Greeks participate in parade tradition
Alumni Center sponsors Homecoming Cookout, comedian
competitions
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Members of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega and the fraternity Triangle work on their entry for last years Chalk n Rock competition on
Wescoe Beach. Chalk n Rock is one of many events in which the greek community participates during HomecomingWeek .
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The 2008 Homecoming Steering Committee displays its parade banner after the 2008 parade. The association is responsible for putting on
several events during HomecomingWeek, including the Homecoming Cookout and comedian show. We want people to knowthat the events we
plan are for them,Ashley Moser, co-director of the 2009 Homecoming Steering Committee, said.
events
Different groups
will also perform
songs as part of
Jayhawk Jingles
You do not have
to be in a sorority
or a fraternity to be
involved.
Stefani GerSon
alumni Center
Homecoming adviser
Hopefully, people
will have at least one
good memory, if not
more, of this years
Homecoming Week.
aSHley MoSer
Co-director,
Steering Committee
I cant wait to look
back on Saturday at
the week and see
how hard everyone
has worked.
aSHley MoSer
Co--director,
Steering Committee
homecoming
4c monday, october 5, 2009
homecoming 5c monday, october 5, 2009
Charity
Students stuf bus for the United Way
BY KRISTEN VERMEIRE
kvermeire@kansan.com
Homecoming Week is
traditionally an eventful time on
campus and this year proves to be
no different. Students collected
cans and strapped on sneakers this
weekend for the Universitys two
major charity events: Stuff the Bus
and Jayhawk Jog.
Stuff the Bus was a non-
perishable food drive in which
students literally stuffed a KU
bus. Registered groups received
points for participating in the
competition.
The event was held from noon
to 5 p.m. Saturday. The bus-fulls
of food were donated to the United
Way of Douglas County.
Last year, the bus rolled away
with 9,700 canned food items
worth more than $10,000.
Justin Sailer, campus outreach
co-chairman for the 2009
Homecoming Steering Committee
, said participants were not only
benefiting the University, but the
Lawrence community, too.
Students are able to do
something well for others and
participate in a homecoming event
with KU spirit, Sailer said.
Another way students got
involved while benefiting the
United Way was by joining in the
Jayhawk Jog. The 5K run/walk
took place on Sunday at 2 p.m.,
beginning at the Kansas Union. A
registration fee of $15 for students
included a 2009 homecoming
T-shirt and a donation.
Caitlin Wise, Jayhawk Jog chair-
woman, said participation in such
an event was noteworthy on more
than one level.
Its a great way to show your
support for KU homecoming,
donate money to a worthwhile
cause and gain points towards
Homecoming Week, Wise said.
Plus youll get to burn some
calories while youre at it.
Edited by Betsy Cutclif
Photo by Alex Bonham-Carter/KAnSAn
Graphic by nick Gerik/KAnSAn
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BY CAROLINE BLEDOWSKI
cbledowski@kansan.com
When Nathan Mack, 2009
graduate, first learned that he won
the Excellence in Community,
Education and Leadership Award
last October, it was halftime at the
homecoming football game, and
thousands of KU students cheered
and clapped as his name was called.
I was very surprised that I
actually won, Mack said a year
later. It was neat, too, because I
could hear my friends cheering with
the fans at the football game.
Mack is now an admissions
counselor for the University. He said
that the award helped him make
connections on campus.
The Ex.C.E.L. Award is an
annual tradition of the Universitys
Homecoming Week that began
in 1991. It rewards students
who demonstrate outstanding
performance in class work,
extracurricular activities and
engagement in the KU and
Lawrence community. The award
comes with a $500 scholarship and
an invitation to participate in the
Blueprint Leadership Conference in
the spring semester. Every year, one
male and one female student at the
University receives the award at the
homecoming football game.
Instead of having something
artificial like the homecoming
queen or king, we have the Ex.C.E.L.
award, Stefani Gerson, coordinator
of Student Programs at the Alumni
Association, said.
The University discontinued the
homecoming queen tradition in
1970 in order to focus more on
academics.
To be eligible for the Ex.C.E.L.
Award, undergraduate students
must be enrolled full-time at the
University and have an overall
grade point average of at least 3.0
and have completed 90 credit hours.
Furthermore, the committee asks
that applicants show significant
skills in leadership, communication
and interaction with a wide variety
of students and organizations.
This year Mack will be on the
selection committee as one of last
years winners.
Its important to be rather
intentional about what you decide
to do and how you decide to
apply after your college career,
Mack said. Incorporate academic
service, involvement, leadership
opportunities and bring all that
stuff in some sort of cohesive
unit that defines who you are and
defines your contribution to your
community.
Apart from Mack, the Ex.C.E.L.
selection committee consists
of representatives from the
Homecoming Steering Committee,
the Student Union Activities,
the Student Involvement and
Leadership Center and the Board of
Class Officers.
The award is sponsored by
several different organizations on
campus, so there is a representative
from each department, Gerson
said.
The award doesnt only rewards
students for their good academic and
leadership skills. Rachel Burchfield,
one of last years winners, was
particularly well-suited because of
her involvement in improving the
KU and Lawrence experience. As
well as participating in numerous
school-sponsored activities, she was
a new student orientation assistant
and worked with KU Info.
I really wanted to make a differ-
ence and make a positive impact,
Burchfield said.
One of the key components of
an Ex.C.E.L. Award winner is their
involvement in activities on and
around campus.
Its a commitment to the
University and to leadership and
to bettering KU, Burchfield said.
The ideal candidate is someone
who loves leadership and loves to
read and loves to help out.
Burchfield graduated from the
University in May and is now
pursuing a masters degree of higher
education administration at the
University of Mississippi, Oxford.
She is uncertain about the possibility
of returning to Lawrence.
Im very happy down here in
Mississippi and I really like Oxford
and I really like Ole Miss. But Ill
never say never to coming back to
KU, she said. Overall, winning and
getting the Blueprint Leadership
Conference is a great addition
to an application. It was a great
experience.
Edited by Betsy Cutclif
aChievement
Ex.C.E.L. Award celebrates students involvement in academics, community
BY MICHELLE COOMBS
mcoombs@kansan.com
Amy Hurst drives around Ann
Arbor, Mich., in her Mini Cooper,
which is decked out in crimson
and blue, with a license plate that
proudly labels her as the first Baby
Jay. Hurst, who debuted Baby Jay at
halftime during the 1971 homecom-
ing game, is proud of her creation
and the tradition it has brought to
the University, and she is eager to
show it.
Ive even got Baby Jay personal
checks, Hurst said. Im the
original.
Inspired during her freshman
year at the University in 1970, Hurst
spent the summer of 1971 creating
Baby Jays first costume, which is
now displayed on the first floor of
the Kansas Union. She introduced
Baby Jay to the University that fall
by hatching out of a blue egg in the
center of Memorial Stadium.
Nothing will ever quite top the
shock and awe of hatching out of
the egg, Hurst said. In my little
Baby Jay brain, I can still hear
the stadium. It was like everyone
inhaled at once, like, Oh my gosh.
To surprise the thousands of people
in that stadium was so grand.
Alee Phillips, lecturer in
accounting, also spent time as Baby
Jay. She got her chance to shock the
crowd in the 1996 basketball season,
when the University unveiled a new
line of costumes for Big Jay and
Baby Jay.
They came in two days before
the game where KU had publicly
announced the unveiling of the new
Jayhawks, Phillips said. We had
ordered them a certain way, and
when they came in they looked
hideous.
However, because the University
had announced that it would be
premiering the new costumes at
that game, the unveiling continued
as planned. At halftime, two large
boxes, wrapped
as presents, were
wheeled out to the
center of the court,
Big Jay and Baby
Jay waiting inside.
We busted out
of those boxes,
and the crowd
was almost silent,
Phillips said. I
mean, you should
have seen Allen
Fieldhouse. I dont think people
booed, but it was like, What? Then
in the paper, for days, they were
saying that they were terrible, and
it was an embarrassment, and they
looked like chickens. KU sent them
back, and they never came out again
for another game. Then they got
what we have today.
During their time as Baby Jay,
both Hurst and Phillips experienced
the shock potential that comes with
wearing the Jayhawk suit. However,
the women came to occupy that
suit via two very different routes.
Hurst was inspired by a bumper
sticker depicting Big Jay, with a line
of little Jayhawks following him. In
addition, her friendship with Big
Jay at the time led her to pursue the
creation of Baby Jay. 23 years later,
in 1994, Phillips, became involved
when her friends dared her to
attend tryouts.
I guess they thought that I was
outgoing enough and that it would
be a fun thing, Phillips said. They
just dared me to go
try out, so I did.
Phillips said she
was slightly surprised
to have been selected
and even more
surprised by the
tryout process itself.
It was more intense
than I anticipated,
Phillips said. At
the time, there was
a physical fitness
component, where you had to do
timed runs and things like that to
make sure that you were in decent
shape, because it is very physically
intensive, believe it or not.
Not only was there no tryout
process for Hurst, but the experience
of being Baby Jay had evolved
greatly by the time Phillips donned
the mascot suit in 1994. One of the
biggest changes was that a single
person could no longer handle the
mascots strenuous schedule.
At the time, we had three Baby
Jays and three Big Jays, Phillips
said.
For Hurst, Baby Jays workload
was hers alone until her graduation
in 1974.
Now, they are involved with
everything from private weddings
to womens athletics and alumni
events, Hurst said. It is all such
a great outreach and I think its
wonderful. There would have been
no way that one person or one
costume could have kept up with
what they are now doing. Their role
today has greatly expanded, which
I believe is absolutely fabulous.
Mascot reunions, such as the
Baby Jay reunion in 2001, give Hurst
a chance to catch up on the mascots
evolving role and meet Baby Jays
who came after her.
When I wore Baby Jay, I was the
only one wearing her, so I never
knew the people who came after
me, Hurst said.
Hurst said the reunion was
special for her because the mascots
shared their stories and experiences
of being Baby Jay.
You were either peeing in your
pants laughing at some of the things
that happened, or you were just
overcome with emotion, Hurst
said. We all share a passion for the
mascot, so that was a great event.
Though the generations of
Baby Jay have had very different
experiences, they all share a love of
the Jayhawks and what they bring
to the University community.
Phillips said that having a pair of
mascots added something to the
performances.
It allows them to be able to
interact and sort of create a fun
environment with each other,
Phillips said. We would have skits
that we would do at the beginning
of basketball games, where we
would run around the circle in the
middle of the court, going opposite
directions and then we would fall
down and be silly, and I think that
adds fun for the audience.
Hurst said she agrees, and that she
believes Baby Jay adds an entirely
different component to the act.
I think Baby Jay is the mascot
that really establishes a connection,
Hurst said. I think Big Jay can
be imposing and fierce, and he
should be. But Baby Jay is just a
little sweetheart. Her outreach is
great for the little ones, and shes
so great at cheering and getting
people excited about the University
of Kansas because shes just so gosh
darn cute.
In addition to their love for Baby
Jay, both Hurst and Phillips said
they were grateful to be a part
of the tradition.
It was a really
positive experience
for me, Phillips said.
I had a lot of fun,
and I was connected
with KU in a way
I wouldnt have
anticipated.
Looki ng
back on it,
Hurst said
she was
a m a z e d
t h a t
h e r
i d e a
had become a part
of generations of
tradition.
The one thing
that is just so
delightful about this
whole experience is
that while it was all
happening, I had no
idea the impact it
would have, because
for me it was just a
really fun thing to
do, Hurst said.
But it is just amazing
to me the impact that
Baby Jay has had. It is
just wonderful to think that
something that I never thought
about a future with has taken off,
and now she is historical and
part of a great tradition.
Editedby SarahKelly
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homecoming 6c monday, october 5, 2009
kansas characters
Baby Jay experience spans generations
ContriButed Photo
Big Jay and Baby Jay performat a basketball game in 1996. The University unveiled new
costumes during that game, but the costumes were never used again. We busted out of
those boxes and the crowd was almost silent,Alee Philips, who played Baby Jay at the time,
said.
ContriButed Photo
Amy hurst, Ann Arbor, Mich., alumna, pops out of her Mini Coopers sunroof. Hurst made her
debut as the original Baby Jay during halftime at the 1971 homecoming football game. Imthe
original,Hurst said.
Mike Gunnoe/kAnsAn
the original Baby Jay costume is displayed on the frst foor of the Kansas Union. Amy Hurst,
the frst Baby Jay, created the costume in 1971. She hatched froman egg at halftime of the 1971
Homecoming game.
Big Jay can be
imposing and ferce,
and he should be.
But Baby Jay is just a
little sweetheart.
Amy hurst
Baby Jay Creator
Weston White/kAnsAn FiLe Photo
IOWA STATE
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B
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Hour s : Mon- Sa t 11- 7pm,
Sunda y c l os e d
We s t on 9t h St . f r om Ma s s St .
The ne w pr e mi e r f a s hi on bout i que i n Lawr e nc e
Pr e mi um De ni m Uni que , Sa v v y Fa s hi on
OPEN
For Wome n & Me n
Tr ue Re l i gi on, Hus don, 7
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Spl e ndi d , La Rok , J oi e, Twe l f t h
St . , 7 Di a monds , Fr e e Pe opl e
homecoming 7c monday, october 5, 2009
BY SARAH PLAKE
splake@kansan.com
Despite leading the
Jayhawks into battle on
the basketball court and
football field, few peo-
ple know much about
Big Jay. The Kansan sat
down with this mysteri-
ous figure to find out more
about what makes him tick.
1. You are always so
enthusiastic! How do you
keep your energy up?
Yeah, I get about 13
hours of sleep and live on a steady
diet of Pop-Tarts.
2. What is your favorite
part about football and
basketball games?
Its hard to say; I guess it has to
be running the players on to the
field or the court.
3. Is cheerleaderyour
ofcial title, or is there
another one?
Nope, Im not a cheerleader. Im
Big Jay.
4. Do you ever wish you
could be a player? Why or
why not?
Im not a player, I just crush a
lot ... oh, wait. Is that what you
meant?
5. What is the best way to
pump up a crowd?
The crowd pumps me up. KU
has some of the greatest fans who
come to the game already pumped
up.
6. When youre not out
on the court or feld, what
are you doing in your spare
time?
Scrabble, Clue, Text Twist and
watching films of other mascots to
know what Im up against. Im also
up in the gym just working on my
fitness. Ds my witness.
7. What is your favor-
ite part about football
season?
Tailgating before games and
cheering the Hawks to a victory.
8. Where did you learn all
of your dance moves?
Assistant coach Joe Dooley
taught me everything I know. He
can cut quite a rug.
9. What size shoe do you
wear?
Extra huge.
10. What relation is Baby
Jay to you?
Babys my little pal.
11. Does Big Jay ever
have an embarrassing mo-
ment?
I once experienced an embar-
rassing moment just to see what
it was like.
12. What is your favorite
KU cheer?
Im a Jayhawk.

13. Youre well known all
over the country. How do
you handle the fame?
I keep a steady supply of body-
guards.
14. Describe in three
words what it takes to be
Big Jay.
Tall, dark and handsome.
15. What are you looking
forward to this year?
How bout a few more national
championships all around?
Edited by Tim Burgess
Q&A session with
KUs Big Jay
Kansas cHaracters
Weston White/KANSAN FILE PHOTO
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BY SHAUNA BLACKMON
AND SABRINA LIEDtKE
sblackmon@kansan.com,
sliedtke@kansan.com
In the past few years, being an
eco-friendly hippie has changed
from a lifestyle accepted by few to
a widely marketed trend accepted
nationwide. Though it is possible to
spot a genuine hippie from the 60s
and 70s on Massachusetts Street,
for the most part, the references in
our generation can be seen solely
in peace sign-covered graphic tees
telling one to recycle or go green.
This years homecoming theme
is Peace. Love. Jayhawks., a theme
very much tied to Lawrences hip,
liberal community. Despite the
popularity of it all, however, much
of the energy of the 1960s and 1970s
gets forgotten. These decades were
about a lot more than just fashion
and drugs; they were about a
revolution and finding, or creating, a
place in society for those who didnt
fit into the standard box. Similar
to areas like the Haight-Ashbury
district in San Francisco, Lawrence
was a place for young people to
come and voice their opinions.
The Vietnam era is frequently
associated with nationwide drug
experimentation, especially the
spread of marijuana usage. Along
the Kansas River, miles of marijuana
were grown, protected and harvested
by a group that came to be known as
the Kaw Valley Hemp Pickers.
Dan Bentley was in his early 20s
when the Kaw Valley Hemp Pickers
got started. He remembered them
as a small group with a large social
presence.
It seemed more
like a theatrical
thing used by peo-
ple for whatever
ends they had, or
just to raise hell,
Bentley said.
Maps were con-
veniently sold to
these hemp havens
in many of the
towns most popu-
lar hangouts and
head shops, including the Rock
Chalk and the Gaslight.
The ditches were full of hemp,
Bentley said. But most of it was
worthless. They were growing a lot
of hemp to make rope for the war.
Im sure some people sold it, but it
wasnt worth anything.
Though marijuana usage was
prominent in Lawrence, students
were not distracted from standing
up against what they perceived
as the injustices of the University
and the United States. In March
of 1965, hundreds of students
participated in a sit-in in front of
then-Chancellor W. Clarkes Wescoe
office protesting racial exclusion as
well as The University
Daily Kansans use of
racist advertisements.
Around the same
time, womens rights
issues were surfacing
and becoming a cause
for protest on campus.
Back then, KU
women endured strict
regulations, including
a mandatory three
years in the residence
halls, restrictions in
parking privileges and a required
course in ladys etiquette and
manners.
In the early 1970s, things went
from heated to a full-on war
between the students and the estab-
lishment. Between April and June of
1970, approximately 50 bombs and
acts of arson occurred in Lawrence.
Bentley recalled one night when the
violence was particularly bad.
It was a really foggy night and
you could just see the glow of all of
the burning buildings and hear the
gunshots, he said.
The largest of these bombings
occurred in the spring of 1970, when
a bomb was placed in the elevator
of the Kansas Union and set to
detonate in the ballroom during the
middle of the night. Dave Meredith,
1973 graduate, was at a friends
apartment just off campus when
the bomb exploded.
We heard sirens, not just one
siren, but many fire engines and
police vehicles. We went up to
campus to see what was happening
and as we walked up to the Union,
we saw flames and smoke, Meredith
said.
Seeing fires and violence was
nothing new around Lawrence, but
this was different.
I think the only thing that people
generally felt and still feel was that it
was not a student that had started
the fire; it was definitely somebody
that knew what they were doing
and were responsible for that,
Meredith said.
Though no one was killed in the
union bombing, after a year filled
with revolution and violence, the
University had finally had enough.
I think the administration at
the University thought the best
way to handle the situation was to
send everybody home, Meredith
said. They spread the word that all
students and faculty members were
to convene at the football stadium
and Chalmers came out and
explained that they were thinking of
ending the semester early and were
going to give students the option of
either taking a final or going home.
Well obviously not many students
wanted to take their finals.
The vote was taken by a vocal
yay-nay system. The yays won by a
landslide.
Literally within a few days
everybody had left and that did
the trick. It temporarily ended
what was going on at that time.
Meredith said.
A few months later in July,
however, the violence returned.
Rick Tiger Dowdell, a 19-year-old
African-American student, was shot
by a police officer after police were
called to investigate gunshots heard
from what was known as the Afro-
House. Dowdell and Frankie Cole
were seen leaving the premises in a
Volkswagen when the police started
to follow the car. Dowdell and Cole
ran two stop signs and refused to
pull over after the police turned on
their sirens. Dowdell then got out of
the car and started to run while the
exchange of gunfire occurred; it was
then that he received a fatal shot to
the back of his skull.
Only a few days later, Harry
Nicholas Rice, a white 19-year-
old student, was shot and killed
while participating in a protest of
Dowdells murder. These frequent
acts of violence between youth
and authorities only increased the
tension and widened the division
between the two generations.
Things got so heated in Lawrence,
that in August 1970 President
Richard Nixon was forced to send
some of his men to evaluate the
sources of violence in Lawrence,
as well as ordering National Guard
troops to help reinforce the local
police.
Arguably one of the most
defining moments in Vietnam-era
Lawrence history occurred in 1972,
when 30 women took over the East
Asian Studies building, located a bit
south of Corbin Hall at the time,
barricaded the doors and demanded
equal rights for female students. The
demands of the womens affirmative
action negotiation team included a
womens studies program, female
staff on the financial aid committee,
womens health care, free childcare
and basic equality, all of which were
met 13 hours later. This group of
women came to be known as the
February Sisters.
According to Ryan Weaver,
recipient of the graduate certificate
in Women, Gender and Sexuality
Studies, the whole event was very
spur of the moment. The day
before the takeover, Robin Morgan,
an internationally known radical
feminist, spoke on campus and
helped students decide how to
face the injustice they were dealing
with.
It is amazing to me that the
event, which was organized in less
than 24 hours, was carried out
successfully. I sometimes wonder
if the organizers were themselves
surprised with how successful they
were on that day, Weaver said.
Homecoming is about having fun
and enjoying our youth, but the past
should not be forgotten. What the
men and women of the 1960s and
1970s did greatly affects our day-to-
day existence.
I think Lawrence is still a social-
ly conscious place to go to school,
Meredith said. I know my son
graduated from KU and he was
involved in a lot of political organi-
zations. I think some of that might
have begun back in 1969.
Edited by Jonathan Hermes
homecoming 8c monday, october 5, 2009
A look back at a turbulent time for the University
Photos courtesy of Spencer Research Library
In July 1970, RickTiger Dowdell was shot while feeing police. Another student, Harry
Rice, was shot days later while protesting Dowdells killing.
Tension between students and authority ran high, with police sometimes having to step in.
President Richard Nixon was forced to call in troops after violence escalated in August 1970.
Students gather at The Gaslight Tavern, a popular bar for students in the 1960s and 70s. The
bar was known as Hippie Haven,according to a University Daily Kansan article from1970.
Disapproval of the VietnamWar sometimes culminated in protests. In addition to the war,
students also gathered to confront issues such as womens rights and racial equality. Though
many of these events were peaceful, the period also sawincidents of violence, with roughly 50
acts of bombing or arson occurring between April and June of 1970.
I think Lawrence
is still a socially
conscious place to
go to school ... Some
of that might have
begun back in 1969.
Dave MereDith
1973 graduate
Radical TRadiTion
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BY ISAIAH CARDONA
icardona@kansan.com
Homecoming through the years
First KU
homecoming
football game.
Kansas defeats the
Missouri Tigers
in front of 9,000
Jayhawk fans.
The football team,
led by star fullback Jim
Bausch, defeats Missouri
at the homecoming
game and goes on to win
the Big Six championship
later that season.
Chancellor Laurence Chalmers refuses
a demand by the Black Student Union
to crown a black homecoming queen
during the halftime of the Kansas-Iowa
football game. This, among other issues,
leads to racial turmoil between the
African-American community and the
University in the early 70s.
Election of
homecoming queen
ended by
committee.
At homecoming
halftime, a huge egg
is hauled out to the
50-yard line, and fans
witness the hatching
of Big Jays companion,
Baby Jay.
The frst Excellence in
Community, Education
and Leadership
awards are presented
during halftime as an
endeavor to increase
student interest.
The Jayhawks win
their frst Big 12 game.
The fans celebrate by
ripping down the goal
posts and dumping
them in nearby Lake
Potter.
The University
welcomes 88
basketball
champ Danny
Manning for
its Jayhawk
Generations:
Bringing Back the Classics
celebration.
The University of Kansas: A History by Cliford Grifn; http://www.homecoming.ku.edu/; www.oread.ku.edu; Pro-
test: Bleeding Kansas article in Time magazine; www.kansan.com(kulture counterculture article);KU Yearbook
1912 1922 1960 2003 1970 1930 1971 1998 1991
What do you think?
BY KRISTEN VERMEIRE
AmAndA Akin
Topeka sophomore
Im a runner here at KU and
would like to see a 5K run
beneftting either Habit for
Humanity or Ronald McDonald
House because Ive been involved
with both organizations in the
past.
JordAn SkerbeTz
Wichita freshman
I would start a moped parade
down Jayhawk Boulevard. Thatd
be so sick!
ChriSTinA neuhedel
overland Park junior
Everyone could build and
decorate foats based on where
theyre from. Like there would be
a Kansas foat, for example. Id like
to see a Hawaiian-decorated one.
ryAn SAlTzmAn
Chicago freshman
There should be a homecoming
dance, like in high school. I would
have it in Allen Fieldhouse; it
would be way better than a high
school gym.
If you could create your own homecoming tradition here at the University, what would it be?
Memorial Stadium
is dedicated before
the kickof of the
homecoming game
against Nebraska.
hiSTory
Hanover Place
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Dr. Kevin Lenahan
785.838.3200
9th & Iowa
B
A
U
H
A
U
S
NOW
Hour s : Mon- Sa t 11- 7pm,
Sunda y c l os e d
We s t on 9t h St . f r om Ma s s St .
The ne w pr e mi e r f a s hi on bout i que i n Lawr e nc e
Pr e mi um De ni m Uni que , Sa v v y Fa s hi on
OPEN
For Wome n & Me n
Tr ue Re l i gi on, Hus don, 7
f or Al l Ma nki nd, El l a Mos s ,
Spl e ndi d , La Rok , J oi e, Twe l f t h
St . , 7 Di a monds , Fr e e Pe opl e
944 Massachusetts St.
(785) 832-8228
homecoming
10c monday, october 5, 2009
parade
Student groups spend hours creating foats
BY COURTNEY BULLIS
cbullis@kansan.com
Homecoming Week is full of
traditions and memories that many
students can celebrate. Competitive
events that take place all week, such
as Chalk N Rock and the 3 v. 3
Basketball Tournament, are assessed
on a certain number of points.
Each year, one event that gets
many entries and is shown great
attention is the tradition of building
floats for the homecoming parade.
The group with the most points
wins the Best Overall Homecoming
Award. The most points an
organization can win is by building
a float for the homecoming parade.
The homecoming parade
along Jayhawk Boulevard consists
of groups such as the Marching
Jayhawks, the grand marshal,
alumni, fraternities, sororities, high
school bands and more.
The entry categories for the
homecoming parade are mobile
floats with moving parts, mobile
floats with non-moving parts,
decorated vehicles and KU
banners.
Anyone or organization can build
a float or be a part of the parade as
long as they turn in an application,
Joey Stromberg, Sterling junior and
Homecoming Steering Committee
member, said.
Each group that entered the float
competition had to write a short
paragraph to explain its group
and describe its
entry. Each float
description had
to incorporate
the homecoming
theme, Peace.
Love. Jayhawks.
When it comes
to building floats,
sororities and
fraternities team up
to pool resources.
There is a lot
of work that goes into planning,
building and budgeting for the
float, Amy Chesshir, Columbia,
Mo., senior and member of sorority
Kappa Delta, said. The actual
building of the structure is up to the
fraternity and then the girls come
in and work on decorating the float
with pomps.
Pomps are small squares of
colorful tissue paper that are used
to fill in the chicken wire that
makes up the frame of the float.
Other parades, such as the Rose
Bowl Parade, use flowers or other
colorful material. Pomp sheets
have caught on at the
University because
they are a cheaper,
easier alternative to
flowers. University
groups use chicken
wire, two-by-fours
and glue in addition
to pomps.
After planning,
building and pomp-
ing the float together,
which in some cases
lasts until the day of the parade,
everyone prepares for the parade.
Student groups begin their floats
about a week before the parade and
work on them every evening.
We never have it done the night
before, Brian Haberkorn, Eagan,
Minn., junior, said. We are always
working on it the morning of,
putting final touches on it.
For some groups, such as
Haberkorns fraternity Sigma Alpha
Epsilon, these floats have a deeper
meaning than just trying to win a
prize.
For SAE, the homecoming
parade float has always been
thought as a big tradition for the
house and we work really hard to
keep the tradition alive, Haberkorn
said.
The homecoming parade on
Saturday begins at approximately
10 a.m. The parade begins at the
Kansas Union and follows Jayhawk
Boulevard to the Chi Omega
fountain.
The Lawrence community,
alumni and University students are
expected to attend the parade and
to be a part of the tradition.
I marched in the KU band when
I went to school so I come back and
march for the alumni band in the
parade, Mary Lynn Blacklock said.
I like to be on campus because
there are just a lot of good memories
for me.
Other students agree.
Homecoming is definitely
something I look forward to every
year because seeing the whole
Lawrence community come out and
support the parade and the school
is a lot of fun, Chesshir said.
Edited by TimBurgess
Contributed photo
Members of sorority Sigma Kappa wave near the beginning of the 2008 homecoming
parade. Student groups design and build foats for the parade each year.
There is a lot of
work that goes into
planning, building
and budgeting for the
foat.
Amy Chesshir
Columbia, mo., senior
events
Activities build KU spirit during Homecoming Week
BY COURTNEY BULLIS
cbullis@kansan.com
With midterms around the cor-
ner, student can take a break from
studying this week by showing their
KU spirit. During Homecoming
Week, students can participate in
alumni and student-related activi-
ties leading up to the football game
against the Iowa State Cyclones on
Saturday.
Since last Saturday, students
have been able to participate in
various homecoming events to
earn points for the Homecoming
Award. Each event is assigned a
certain amount of points that will
be added together at the end of the
week to determine first, second
and third-place winners. The point
system is set up in two separate
groups, one for student life and one
for greek life, so that everyone on
campus has a chance to participate
individually or in groups.
The events are a great way to
show school spirit and take part in
a long-standing tradition at KU,
Megan Do, Wichita junior and
homecoming special events co-
chairwoman, said.
The Homecoming Steering
Committee has worked to make
this years homecoming events a
combination of new and old that
focus not only on KU spirit and
tradition but also on involvement
of the Lawrence community. Fun
Day Monday, Chalk N Rock and
Crimson and Blue
Day will be taking
place on Wescoe
Beach, serving
as homecoming
reminders in the
middle of cam-
pus.
This year,
Ho me c o mi n g
Week began with
the Homecoming
Kickoff Concert at Abe & Jakes
Landing, 8 E. Sixth St., where
national recording artist Girl
Talk performed Thursday for a
soldout show of 750 people. SUA
members and the Homecoming
Steering Committee said Girl Talk
was booked because the members
wanted a big draw for the start of
the weeks festivities.
We really wanted to hype up
homecoming this year since its
such a big year for KU football and
the University in general, Do said.
We want students to get excit-
ed about homecoming and have
school spirit and Girl Talk is the
perfect artist to pump people up.
Another student favorite is the
annual Pancake Feed, which will
take place the day of the home-
coming parade from 7:30 a.m. to
noon on the lawn of Stauffer-Flint
Hall. For $5, anyone can have all-
you-can-eat pancakes supplied by
Chris Cakes from the Kansas City
area.
The I Spy: Peace, Love, Jayhawks
competition is a week-long scaven-
ger hunt. Daily clues will be print-
ed in The Kansan and participants
will have to photograph the object
or building in the clue.
If running around campus in a
mad dash for points doesnt sound
like fun, students can showcase
their artistic skills by signing up
to draw murals centered around
the Peace, Love, Jayhawk theme on
the sidewalk with chalk for Chalk
n Rock. This will take place on
Wescoe Beach from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. Thursday.
Another event is
the 3-on-3 basket-
ball tournament.
This competition is
open to all students
at the University
who register online
at www.ku.athleague.
com. The games will
take place beginning
today and ending
with the semi-finals
and championship tomorrow at
the Ambler Student Recreation
and Fitness Center.
This years homecoming com-
edy show, which is co-sponsored
by SUA, features Kristen Schaal
and The Blanks. Students may rec-
ognize Schaal as Mel on the HBO
show Flight of the Conchords.
The Blanks is a featured acapel-
la group on the television show
Scrubs.
Kelly Unger, Overland Park
junior, said she would definitely go
to this years comedy show because
of the success of last years.
Gabriel Iglesias was there last
year performing and was really,
really funny, Unger said.
Along with the events, stu-
dents can enjoy the freebies that
go along with Homecoming Week.
Free chicken legs will be handed
out to students today for Fun Day
Monday from noon to 1 p.m. on
Wescoe Beach.
Any student wearing crimson
and blue on campus on Friday can
pick up free KU spirit items such
as crimson and blue beads, free
cake, Jayhawk tattoos and stickers
on Wescoe Beach.
Homecoming Week is a time
when students and alumni come
together to show off their KU spirit
and enjoy KU traditions.
I really enjoy seeing all the dif-
ferent KU groups come together
to support this one great cause,
Candy Metzinger, Witchita junior,
said. This a week where its not
about separating the different
classes or about separating greeks
from non-greeks. Everyone really
comes together.

The events are a great
way to show school
spirit and take part
in a long-standing
tradition at KU.
megAn do
Wichita junior
Homecoming
week scHedule
wHo: sUA
wHat: homecoming Week
wHen: monday to
saturday
wHere: Around campus
wHY: To celebrate KU
spirit and traditions with
students and alumni.
To see a full schedule
of events and to learn
about the history of
homecoming, visit http://
www.homecoming.ku.edu/
Contributed photo
Students stop for free chicken legs and donated Burger King crowns last year onWescoe Beach as a part of Medieval Monday. Free food will be
available onWescoe Beach again this year from noon to 1 p.m. today.
homecoming 11c monday, october 5, 2009
W
ell, its homecoming,
or at least thats
what I hear. See,
Im still new to town and dont
really know all there is to know
about KUs homecoming.
Truth be told, I dont think
many freshmen know whats
happening on campus. Te
week ahead, however, doesnt
look to disappoint.
Its full of events, like a
barbecue in front of Wescoe Hall,
a mural painting contest and a
comedy show featuring Kristen
Shall and the Blanks, not to
mention the football game, which
ought to be a satisfying blowout of
the Iowa State
Cyclones.
Teres also
the parade,
which begins
on Jayhawk
Boulevard two
hours before
the game on
Saturday.
Talk about options. Te only
way my high school celebrated
homecoming included a week of
themed dress-up, topped with a
parade around my high schools
block, a boring football game
and a cheaply-decorated dance.
Clearly, things are on a diferent
level here.
And we underclassmen, more
than anyone else, get a chance to
reap the benefts.
Tis is the frst chance most
of us will have to see and to
enjoy the traditions and history
of the University.
Homecoming has
been held for nearly
100 years here, and
freshmen can be a part
of it. If were willing to
go out and get involved,
we can make memories
that will give us a
reason to come back
one day when were
long out of school.
Just look at the alumni section
Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Tey know how great this place is.
Tey know theres a reason
to come back 10, 20, or even 50
years afer they have graduated.
For some its the football team.
For others its the atmosphere on
campus or maybe to relive the
glory days.
As freshmen, we get to see
those reasons frst-hand. Te
truth is that most of us dont
realize we actually live here yet
that were not on vacation or
at a year-long summer camp,
eventually to return home next
summer to mommy and daddy.
Its time to realize that a
university can be much more
than four years spent getting a
degree. Homecoming, the Rock
Chalk chant and Big and Baby Jay
give us reason to get comfortable
here to fnally turn from the
inexperienced freshmen into
members of the KU family.
Remember that as youre
hopping from event to event this
week. Its not just about the swag,
parade foats and a bone-crushing
football beatdown. Instead,
freshmen, consider it this way: for
the frst time since arriving here,
homecoming gives us a chance to
learn the true meaning of being a
Jayhawk.
Edited by Lauren Cunningham
Zack McQuiston is
a Shawnee freshman in
journalism and Spanish.
By Zack McQuiston
zmcquiston@kansan.com
E
very fall just when the
leaves begin to change,
the Jayhawk community
comes together to celebrate
everything that is the University
of Kansas. Every year there are a
few solid traditions I can count
on and a couple changes to keep
the festivities fresh. No matter
what, it has always proven to be an
exciting week and a reminder of
the bond we all share as Jayhawks.
As a senior I can refect
on the memories I have from
homecomings past.
Friends and family coming into
town to join in the activities, or
just using the event as an excuse
to party, always adds to the school
spirit. Tough theres nothing quite
like being surrounded by fellow
Hawk fans, theres also a great
feeling that comes from converting
a few more to our side. I can
proudly boast that Ive created
numerous Jayhawk devotees
over the years even one from
Missouri. She gets a lot of fack,
but always wears her Rock Chalk
Jayhawk T-shirt with pride.
Sharing the traditions and letting
outsiders be part of homecoming
helps them understand why the
University is special.
Te past three years havent
fallen short of my expectations and
this year should be no diferent.
Homecoming 2009 unofcially
kicked of Oct. 1 with a concert
by one of my personal favorites,
Girl Talk. Afer setting the mood,
the next week is flled with many
fun activities that students are
sure to fnd something to ft their
preferences.
For the sports enthusiasts
theres a three-on-three basketball
tournament. Tose with a more
creative side can share their talents
in the Jayhawk Jingle contest. If
youre down for a good laugh, the
Lied Center is hosting a comedian
show. You can even shake your
booty with that certain guy or gal
at the Association of University
Residence Halls homecoming
dance at Hashinger Hall. If none
of this sounds appealing, theres
always the cookout and the
pancake feed. Who doesnt like
pancakes?
Tough there are many options
for students to choose from,
Homecoming Week is always a
steady buildup to the excitement of
game day.
Tis year, the Hawks will
take on the Iowa State Cyclones.
Jayhawk fans can get pumped
up for the game during the
homecoming parade Saturday
morning and by tailgating at the
Adams Alumni Center. By the
time its kickof, youll be more
than ready to wave the wheat.
Homecoming is a great
opportunity for students to come
out and show their school pride.
Te University works hard to put
together an array of entertainment
for the week and everyone should
take advantage of the unique
activities available.
My past three years at the
University have been flled with
some of the best times of my life.
One of the primary reasons I
chose to attend the University is
the ever-present and infectious
school spirit. Homecoming is just
one of many chances to embrace
University traditions and enjoy
times with fellow fans. Tis
homecoming, get out there and
enjoy all the awesome events. A
full list of the schedule can be
found on the Universitys calendar
Web site.
Editedby Arthur Hur
Richelle Buser is a Columbia,
Ill., senior in journalism.
By Richelle BuseR
rbuser@kansan.com
young and old jayhawkS agRee
No reason not to enjoy weeks traditions
Homecoming offers freshmen a chance to settle in Take a seniors advice: dont miss out on festivities
This is the frst
chance most of us will
have to see and to
enjoy the traditions
and history of the
University.
kansan file photo
student
success
Being a responsibilibuddy is much
more than being a designated driver.
Its being a dependable friend who will
look after your groups best interests to
ensure everyone has a good time.
Hey, theres benets to being a
responsibilibuddy. Youll be able to
remember the night and avoid legal
trouble. So, take turns with your friends
making a one-night commitment as
the responsibilibuddy and
[ Pl ay I t Saf e ] when you celebrate.
res pons i bi l i buddy
responsibilibuddy
Pronunciation: ri-spon-suh-bil-i-buhd-dee
1: a person chosen to abstain from alcohol at a designated
time so as to help their friends who are drinking, including:
a: transporting them safely to and from home b: not
letting them leave drinks unattended c: monitoring the
effects of their alcohol consumption d: encouraging them
to not leave with strangers e: calling for help if needed
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homecoming
12c monday, october 5, 2009
BY LUCAS RANKER
lranker@kansan.com
Most KU students are familiar with
waving the wheat and the Rock Chalk
Chant, but few know about the traditions
at Iowa State, this years homecoming
rival.
Iowa State University lies roughly 270
miles north of Lawrence in the
city of Ames, Iowa.
The Cyclone football
team will have spent
more than four hours
traveling for Saturdays
game at Memorial
Stadium.
According to the schools
Web site, the Iowa state legislature
established the Iowa Agricultural
College and Model Farm in 1858
in Story County, a central county
in Iowa.
The first building on
campus was Farm House,
which still stands today,
and classes were held in
one building, Old Main.
The first graduating class
entered in 1862 and was
composed of 24 men and two
women.
This year, ISU has a record high
of 27,945 students and a campus
with more than 100 buildings. The
ISU campus stretches across more
than 1,984 acres, which makes it
about 884 acres bigger than the
KU campus.
Iowa State boasts a few national
firsts. In 1879, the nations first
school of veterinary medicine was
established at ISU. It is also the birthplace
of the first electronic digital computer.
George Washington Carver became the
first African-American student at Iowa
State in 1891 after living here in Kansas.
Later, he became the first black faculty
member as well.
Even though Iowa State lacks a daunting
chant, it does have multiple school songs
including Bells of Iowa State and Iowa
State Fight Song.
The Iowa State Cyclone colors of
cardinal and gold somewhat clash with
our crimson and blue. The mascot, known
as Cy, is a cardinal.
As the schools alumni Web site
explains, a cardinal was chosen as mascot
because a cyclone is difficult to depict in
mascot form. The Cyclone name came
about after a sports writer compared an
Iowa State victory against Northwestern
to fighting a cyclone.
Campaniling, according to Kelly
Reynaga, Wichita freshman at ISU, is
a tradition during Homecoming week
in which couples gather around the
campanile and kiss at the stroke of
midnight. Another romantic tradition at
ISU is Lake Laverne. It is said that if a
couple can walk around the lake three
times without speaking then they are
meant to be.
Mica Rumbach, Overland Park
sophomore at ISU, said her favorite
tradition at ISU involved the Zodiac sign
on the floor of the union.
The story goes that if you walk across
the Zodiac youll fail your next test,
Rumbach said.
To reverse the curse students are
supposed to throw change in the unions
fountain.
Rumbach said another popular tradi-
tion was VEISHEA Week. VEISHA is
an acronym of the first five
colleges at Iowa State:
veterinary medi-
cine, engi-
ne e r i ng ,
i n d u s -
t r i a l
s c i e n c e ,
home econom-
ics and agricul-
ture. The week-long
festival, which takes place
in the spring, includes
concerts and a parade.
My favorite
tradition is midnight
pancakes during
VEISHEA Week.
Its $3 for all you can
eat pancakes, Shawnee
Gehrig, Reasnor, Iowa,
sophomore at ISU, said.
Fraternities and
sororities have a traditional
lawn ornament building
competition as well. In the
contest, each chapter builds a
model of its favorite building
on campus and displays it in
front of the chapter house.
Edited by Megan Morriss
Iowa State celebrates campus spirit diferently
Illustration by Drew Stearns/KANSAN
TradiTion
What do you think?
BY JASMINE TINNER
ashleigh garcia
Topeka senior
I think homecoming games are diferent
because its less about tailgating and
more about the actual school spirit and
the pumped up atmosphere.
naThan Mack
2009 graduate
I think its because more KU graduates
attend the game and they are back at KU
enjoying themselves like they used to.
elisa krapcha
2005 graduate
The homecoming game is diferent
because a lot more alumni come back
for the game and other things going on
the week of homecoming. It makes the
traditions of KU shine through a little bit
more.
ashleigh dixon
parsons junior
I guess its the opportunity to see
classmates outside of class being
nominated for homecoming king and
queen.
What makes the homecoming game so different from other games during the season?
andy sTein
dodge city senior
Its everything that goes around the
game like the parades and the traditions.
Plus the whole week gets everyone
hyped up for the game.
&
SUNDAY
BRUNCH
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with Student I D
HOMECOMING 13C MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2009
BY LISA ANDERSEN
landersen@ku.edu
What do you enjoy most
about KU traditions?
Traditions bring people
together. They help us feel
connected not only to each
other, but to the history of
the University, because you
know thousands, probably
millions, of other Jayhawks
have shared in those same
traditions over the years.

Which tradition is your
favorite and why?
Im still learning about all
the great KU traditions, but
one of my favorites so far is
waving the wheat. It is great
to look out into Memorial
Stadium after a touchdown
and see the entire crowd
waving the wheat in
celebration.

What are your plans for
Homecoming
Week?
I plan to
be busy.
Homecoming
is a special
time of year
and I look
forward to
participating
in as many
activities as I can.

What part of
homecoming are you most
excited about or looking
forward to since this is your
frst year here?
Im looking forward to
meeting the alumni who will
come back to campus. KU has
a very strong alumni base
and I want to hear from them
about their time
at KU and their
aspirations for the
university they
love.

Do you think
KU spirit difers
from other
schools? In what
way?
KU certainly has traditions
that date back longer than
many universities, and yet
those traditions are still as
rich and vibrant today as
when they frst began.
Edited by Megan Morriss
A
Q
with Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little
Im looking forward
to meeting the
alumni who will come
back to campus.
bernadeTTe gray-lITTle
Chancellor
Bernadette Gray-Little
is the 17th chancel-
lor of the University.
She assumed the
position in august.
Weston White/KANSAN fiLe photo
What do you think?
BY JASMINE TINNER
ErIn ScHInStocK
Wichita senior
Its diferent because you really
want to win ... you cant lose your
own homecoming game.
FranK ocampo
Lees Summit, mo., freshman
It is not only the homecoming
game but also the frst conference
home game of the season ... we
have to win.
connor moyLan
Kansas city, mo., freshman
I get to actually share the tradi-
tion with my dad, who is an alum-
nus this year.
naDIa WILcox
mission freshman
This year the homecoming game
will be special to me because I am
actually a student at KU and not
just a fan of KU football.
What makes the homecoming game so different
from other football games during the season?
944 Massachusetts St.
(785) 832-8228
HOMECOMING 14C MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2009
legacies
BY KIRSTEN KWON
kkwon@kansan.com
Audrey Stucky, Houston senior,
was one of those babies whose
parents dressed her in KU jumpers.
Ive been on this campus since I
was little, Audrey said.
Audrey is a third-generation
Jayhawk. The Stucky tradition
started in 1970 when Audreys
grandfather, Don Steck, graduated.
Steck raised his family in Shawnee.
The legacy continued when his
daughter, Sheryl, decided to study
at the University, where she met
Audreys father, Barry, who is
originally from Inman. The two
were married in 1986 at the St.
Lawrence Catholic Center, at the
intersection of 15th Street and
Engel Road.
Its cool. When I lived in Templin
as a freshman Id walk by the Center
and be like, Oh, thats where my
parents were married! Audrey
said.
Audrey was raised a Jayhawk fan,
and sports are one of the main
things over which the Stucky family
bonds. As a child, Audreys father
would make her watch basketball
games on TV to teach her how
to play. Because her parents still
live in Texas, it
isnt often they
are able to make
it out to Lawrence
to visit, but Stucky
remembers a
specific football
game against
Kansas State that
will always be a
fond memory.
It was so cold
outside, we all had
blue lips, Audrey
said, laughing. My mom still talks
about the $12 hot chocolates we
bought.
Despite her strong Jayhawk
ties, Stucky said she didnt feel any
pressure to attend the University.
Her parents, however, are happy she
does, and she said her relationship
with them was closer because they
could share KU traditions. When
the Stucky family can make it to
town, they visit the places they
remember the most, such as Potter
Lake.
This year, Audrey will be spending
homecoming without her family but
plans to attend the parade and enjoy
the football game.
Im sure Ill get phone calls for
every touchdown, she said.
Thomas Hiatt, Shawnee
sophomore, said hes a bigger Kansas
sports fan than his alumni parents.
Thomas is a fourth-generation
Jayhawk. His maternal
grandmother, Dorothy
Bennett, and maternal
great-grandfather, Roy
Bennett, led the way
for the family legacy.
Though his parents
arent as big of fans
as he is, Thomas said
they always cheered
for the University in
their house.
My parents werent
huge sports followers,
he said. But they have season tick-
ets this year and theyre coming up
for the homecoming game.
Thomas briefly thought about
other colleges for his education. But
he quickly realized the University
was the place for him. His first
experience at Memorial Stadium
helped him make that decision.
I went to a KU versus Missouri
game when I was freshman in high
school and it made me wanna come
here. I just remember a really fun
environment, Thomas said.
For Meredith Carroll, Deerfield,
Ill., senior, choosing the University
was a no-brainer.
I applied to three schools in
total, but as soon as I knew I was
admitted to KU, everything else was
wiped off the board, she said.
Both of Merediths parents and
several of her aunts and uncles
attended the University in the
early 1970s. Like Meredith, her
family grew up in the Chicago area
before moving to Lawrence for
school. Because so many relatives
are alumni, cheering for the
University has become a fun family
experience.
Every time theres a game day
my uncle is texting me, Oh my
gosh, did you see that! Meredith
said. My cousin, who is only 10
years old, already says shes coming
here for college.
As the Carroll family legacy
continues at the University,
Merediths father Patrick Carroll
said he was happy to be affiliated
with the University even though it
isnt exactly how he remembered it.
Much has changed and much
has stayed the same on campus,
he said. But KU has always been a
great comfort for my family, and we
are proud to be alumni.

Edited by Melissa Johnson
Family ties: Inheriting the Jayhawk gene
Contributed Photo
Audrey Stuckys parents studied abroad in Egypt while attending the University, where they met. The two eventually were married at the St.
Lawrence Catholic Center at 15th Street and Engel Road.
Contributed Photo
Audrey Stucky, houston senior, attends a Kansas game with her father, Barry, a KU alumnus.
Audreys mother, Sheryl, and maternal grandfather, Don, also both attended the University.
Contributed Photo
Meredith Carroll, deerfeld, ill., senior, sits with her parents, both of whomattended the University, as did several of her aunts and uncles. My
cousin, who is only 10 years old, already says shes coming here for college,Carroll said.
I applied to three
schools in total, but
as soon as I knew I
was admitted to KU,
everything else was
wiped of the board.
MEREDITH CARROLL
Deerfeld, Ill., Senior
INDEPENDENT
STUDY
KU Courses
Distance Learning
785-864-5823
enroll@ku.edu
www.ContinuingEd.ku.edu/is
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9th & Iowa
Campus, culture attract frst-generation Jayhawks
Fresh start
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
cwesteman@kansan.com
When Garrett Flippin, San
Francisco junior, was looking at
prospective colleges, he was un-
able to attend some of the schools
in California.
Tats when Flippin learned
about the University through some
of his distant relatives. Strongly
encouraged by his mother, he de-
cided to tour the campus.
I fell in love right then and
there, Flippin said.
One of many frst-generation
Jayhawks, Flippin chose the
University despite a lack of
immediate family members who
had previously attended the
University. Flippin said he wanted
a real university feel.
When I came to KU, it was
everything I wanted, he said.
When I frst saw Strong Hall, it
was the type of centerpiece of a
campus that I wanted to be a part
of.
Stephen Doherty, Ft. Scott
junior, said his need for a diverse
campus is what drew him to the
University.
I wanted more diversity,
because I went to smaller schools,
and usually there are a bunch of
the same kind of people, Doherty
said. Its the frst big school Ive
went to lots more diversity and
things to challenge me.
Doherty transferred to the
University from Benedictine
College in Atchinson. While there,
he said he was surrounded by
people who had many of the same
opinions he did.
Here, though, he said that there
were people
from all over the
world with many
diferent views.
Tats the
biggest thing,
Doherty said.
I want to be
c h a l l e n g e d
outside of the
classroom by
these diferent
opinions that Im
going to face in
my everyday life
and not inside
this little bubble that Im in at a
smaller school.
In some cases, not having family
members who have attended the
University can make the transition
harder for frst-generation
Jayhawks.
Flippin remembered feeling
uncomfortable when he frst came
to Lawrence.
When I frst heard about it
and I hadnt done any research, I
thought the University of Kansas
would be out in the middle of the
boondocks somewhere, Flippin
said. I thought I would be like the
only black person on campus ...
But I came here, and I found out
its a pretty diverse campus.
Erin Lavin, Gardner sophomore
and frst-generation
Jayhawk, admitted
that her transition to
the University was
rocky.
I was a little lost
my freshman year,
Lavin said. I guess I
kind of felt like dorky
new kid, because most
of my friends already
knew what was up,
and I had to have
everything explained
to me ... But I fgured
it out now.
Along with many in-state
and out-of-state students, most
members of the Universitys
international student population
are frst-generation Jayhawks.
Shishi Zhang, a southeast China
sophomore, was very curious
about KU culture upon her arrival
on campus.
Some people think theres a lot
of diference between the culture
here and the culture in China,
and it depends on the individual,
Zhang said. I
like it. I just
thought it
was curious. I
didnt think it
was weird, just
interesting.
Zhang de-
cided to attend
college in the
U.S. afer the
score on her
fnal high school exam was lower
than she had expected.
I was so disappointed and
so were my parents, she said.
And I was not able to enter the
universities I liked in China. So,
I just thought that if I can change
my location, where no one knows
me or knows about me, I can start
over.
So far, Zhang has enjoyed her
time at the University. She says
the best part of her experience has
been the professors.
Her frst semester, Zhang took
an English 101 course. When she
got a low score on her frst essay,
she decided to talk to her profes-
sor. Afer that, her grades in the
class improved.
Te education system is more
human, more fexible, Zhang
said. But if we are in China, the
teachers are very strict and critical
... Sometimes, students
are very scared to ask the
professors a question.
For Doherty, the
professors and the
diversity of the campus
have been his favorite
parts of the Jayhawk
experience.
Its like your own little
city, he said. And the
professors I absolutely
love the professors. In the bigger
classes, like 500 people compared
to the 18 or 20 that I had in my
other classes like you dont even
feel like youre one of 500 in there,
because they do such a great job
of keeping you
entertained.
Flippin had
a hard time
pinpointing his
favorite part about
being a Jayhawk.
I guess its not
really one thing;
its the whole
e x p e r i e n c e ,
Flippin said.
From sports to
being in a town of
people your own
age to campus
life.
Lavin agreed that the Lawrence
community is a vital part of the
KU experience.
Lawrence is such a great town
to live in, Lavin said. Its got so
much to ofer. You can meet just
about anybody, people from all
walks of life in Lawrence. Teres
so many opportunities at KU to do
whatever you want to do.
While they might be frst-
generation Jayhawks, Flippin and
Doherty hope to pass on the KU
experience to other members of
their family and, potentially, to
future children.
Flippin said he would let his
kids look at the University.
Its not for everybody, but if
they like it, sure, Flippin said.
Doherty has an older brother
joining him at the University in the
summer and said that he hoped to
have a better experience with his
brother here.
Its an excellent
school its great for
people whove been
in a small town,
said Doherty To
open your eyes to the
world, and get out
of the cloister that
youre in when youre
in a small town.
Doherty said he
didnt regret trans-
ferring to the Uni-
versity.
It was a great de-
cision to come here,
he said. I wish I would have come
here earlier.
Edited by Abbey Strusz
When I came to KU,
it was everything
I wanted. When
I frst saw Strong
Hall, it was the type
of centerpiece of a
campus that I wanted
to be a part of.
gARRETT fLIppIn
San francisco junior
Some people
think theres a lot of
diference between
the culture here and
the culture in China,
and it depends on the
individual. I like it.
SHISHI zHAng
China sophomore
Lawrence is such a
great town to live in.
Its got so much to
ofer.
ERIn LAvIn
gardner sophomore
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c a m p u s c l o t h c a m p u s c l o t h c a m p u s c l o t h c a m p u s c l o t h
HOMECOMING 15C MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2009
Professors
Graduates return to Kansas as faculty
BY LAURA DREES
ldrees@kansan.com
Homecoming is all about returns
mostly of students and of former
faculty. Sometimes those former
students return to the University as
faculty members. Originally they
came from all over the country
and world to earn undergraduate,
graduate and doctoral degrees in
the countless areas the University
offers. Their reasons for coming
and coming back may differ, but
students, alumni and faculty-
alumni can agree that coming
home to the University of Kansas
is easy.
Laura Moriarty
Position: Assistant professor,
department of English
Hometown: Bozeman, Mont.
Degrees from the University:
Bachelor of Social Work (1993)
and a Masters in creative writing
(1999)
Other degrees/work: Carlin
Graduate Teaching Award (1999),
George Bennett
F e l l o w s h i p
for Creative
Writing, Phillips
Exeter Academy
(2000)
Claims to
Fame: She has
had three novels
published: The
Center of Everything (2003),
The Rest of Her Life (2007), and
While Im Falling (2009).
What she likes about the
University: I really benefited from
the accessibility of KU and all the
opportunities it offered, Moriarty
said. She said that she particularly
benefited from the Universitys
study abroad programs in which
she traveled to Malta. Moriarty
said her graduate education here
was helpful in polishing her writing
and enabled her to publish her
first novel. She also credited the
University as being supportive of
its facultys writing work because
it allowed her the time to publish
and write her books. Her most
recent book, While Im Falling,
was released in August.
Thoughts about homecoming:
Rather than participating in
University-sponsored alumni
activities, Moriarty said she created
her own. She recently held a mini
reunion with a group of friends
from college.
You have friends that you
keep for a lifetime, Moriarty
said. She said she considered such
relationships another important
aspect of her experience here
both as a student and as a faculty
member.
Advice for current students:
You can get an excellent education
in a huge class if youre proactive,
Moriarty said.
She advised students to seek out
and talk to their professors and
to sit in the front rows of classes.
She also said she recommended
participating in the Universitys
exchange programs and
extracurricular opportunities.
The opportunities are out there.
You just have to go for them,
Moriarty said.
On Coming Back: Moriarty,
whose father was a Marine, said
she lived in a wide variety of locales
in her lifetime, but said she felt
something special for Lawrence.
I connected with Lawrence in
a way I didnt connect to any of
the other places Id lived Id
been back for five years, and then
a faculty position opened at KU,
Moriarty said.
After a nationwide search for
an assistant professor of English,
Moriarty was chosen.
I am happy to be teaching at
an institution that offered me so
much, she said.
Fun Facts: Moriartys latest
novel is set in McCollum Hall,
where she lived her sophomore
year and worked as a desk assistant.
She was also a Residence Advisor
at Hashinger Hall for two years,
which she said exposed her to a
variety of people.
rosaLea
PostMa-Carttar
Positions: Associate specialist,
co-director of Spanish Language
Instruction, department of Spanish
and Portuguese
Hometown: Lawrence
Degrees from the University:
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and in
German (1977)
Other degrees/work: Masters
and Ph.D. in Hispanic literature
from Cornell University (1991)
Claims to Fame: Cramer
Award for Teaching recipient, has
published two textbook-related
projects
What she
likes about the
University: As a
student, Postma-
Carttar said she
was attracted to
the reputation
of the Spanish
program and was
heavily involved
in the many extracurricular
activities offered. In particular, she
took full advantage of study abroad
activities and of Student Union
Activities.
Thoughts about homecoming:
As a student, she said she attended
football games and recalled most
clearly the mum-and-pipe cleaner
corsages women would purchase
from vendors at the homecoming
game.
My current extracurricular
activity is three children between
the ages of nine and thirteen, she
said.
She said she took her children
to the homecoming parade when
they were younger and she saw the
parade for the first time in years
when she took them in 2000.
Advice for current students:
Postma-Carttar encouraged
students to focus on their reasons
for taking specific classes so that
they could get the best possible
academic experience.
Go see your professors during
office hours, and get to know them
outside of class, she said.
On Coming Back: Both Postma-
Carttar and her husband are from
Lawrence, and when he got a job
in the area, they agreed that the
town would be a good place to live
as adults. She initially held a few
part-time jobs in the Universitys
department of international studies
and the department of Spanish
and Portuguese until a full-time
position became available. She said
that she was convinced to stay
by the quality of the Universitys
program. The strangest part, she
said, was returning to teach in her
old classroom.
I teach classes in the same room
where I took classes. It sometimes
makes that 30-year difference hard
to pin down, Postma-Carttar said.
Its been a long time.
Fun Facts: Postma-Carttar
has been taking Spanish since
her days in Lawrences Pinckney
Elementary School and Central
Junior High School, where she met
her husband.
Because Im a KU alumnus, I
have a special interest in todays
KU students making the most of
the opportunities they have here,
she said.
JereMy LiLL
Position: Accounting lecturer,
School of Business
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Degrees from the University:
Bachelor of Science in business
and in accounting (December
2002)
Other degrees/work: Masters
in business
administration
from the
Co n s o r t i u m
Institute of
Mana ge me nt
and Business
Analysis
C l a i m s
to Fame:
President of Epsilon Tau Chapter
of Phi Beta Delta, International
Honor Fraternity
What he likes about the
University: Lill said he found the
diversity of people, opportunities
and academics most important
from a former student viewpoint.
We have a lot of really brilliant
people here, Lill said. If you
surround yourself with a lot of
high-quality people, you perform
at a higher-quality level.
The strangest part, he said, was
walking up the hill no longer as a
student but as a professor.
Thoughts about Homecoming:
When he attended the University,
Lills parents and grandfather
attended a football game every year,
usually the homecoming game.
It almost seemed like the build-
up to the football game was the fun
part, Lill said.
Lill said that he still went to
football games and he was most
likely to see his former friends and
acquaintances at homecoming.
Advice for current students:
Professors talk to recruiters all the
time, Lill said. He recommended
students set themselves apart from
all other students by putting forth
extra effort on exams and projects in
classes or extracurricular activities.
He said that good experiences with
faculty members would result in
opportunities.
On Coming Back: Lill said he
always had a long-term goal of
returning to the University and
that he hoped to come back to the
University again after he gets his
doctorate elsewhere.
Coming back was just my
dream job presenting itself, he
said. He also said that returning
was only possible because he had
kept in contact with the people
who mentored him.
Fun Facts: Lills masters
degree involved a long-term
residency in Italy, so he is fluent
in conversational Italian. His
father, grandfather and sisters also
attended the University.
edward a. Martinko
Hometown: Colorado Springs,
Colo.
Positions: Professor of ecology,
evolutionary biology and envi-
ronmental studies, department of
ecology and
e vol ut i on-
ary biol-
ogy; courtesy
p r o f e s s o r ,
department
of geography
D e g r e e
from the
University:
Doctorate in
entomology (ecology) (1976)
Other degrees/work: Bachelor
of Science in chemistry and in
biology from the College of
Emporia (1967) and a Masters in
physiology from the University of
Colorado at Boulder (1970)
Claims to Fame: Director of the
Kansas Biological Survey, the Kansas
Applied Remote Sensing Program
(KARS) and of the University of
Kansas Field Station and Ecological
Reserves. He is also published in
scientific journals and is a member
of scientific associations.
What he likes about the
University: He said what attracted
him first was the reputation of
the entomology program. He then
stayed because of the research
opportunities available to him.
To stimulate the development
of new research- thats become the
mainstay of my career, Martinko
said.
Thoughts about Homecoming:
A lifetime member of the University
of Kansas Alumni Association, Dr.
Martinko said he went to tailgates
at the Adams Alumni Center before
football games.
I think the Alumni Association
provides an excellent opportunity
to stay in touch with the University
and join the excitement generated
by the faculty and staff and
students, he said.
Advice for current students:
Martinko encouraged students to
participate in activities and areas
that interested them most.
Their career will benefit from
that excitement, Martinko said.
On Coming Back: Martinko
said he advised consideration
before deciding to return to an
alma mater, particularly from an
academic standpoint. He decided
to stay at the University after
getting his doctorate.
I think that Lawrence and
the University of Kansas offer an
outstanding quality of life, and I
am tickled to be part of it, he said
of his own situation.
Fun Facts: Martinko is also
a member of the University of
Colorado Alumni Association,
but, he said he participated more
actively in the University of Kansas
Alumni Association for obvious
reasons. He transitioned to
studying entomology while at the
University of Colorado.
Edited by Lauren Cunningham
Photo courtesy of Spencer Research Library
Homecoming ofers an opportunity for alumni to return to the University to see what has changed on campus and to enjoy a football game.
Some graduates come back to the University just for homecoming, but others have found themselves playing a diferent role at the University as
professors or teachers.
Moriarty
Postma-Carttar
Lill
Martinko
Faculty alumni explain why they returned to alma mater
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