THURSDAY, MAY 9,2002
ENTERTAINMENT
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN - 5B
Graduation continues traditions
By Sarah Hill Kansan staff writer
In addition to the excitement of finishing college, University of Kansas graduates have a 78-year-old tradition to look forward to.
Walking down Campanile hill into Memorial Stadium is as much a part of graduation as purchasing caps and gowns.
Lindsay Jacobs, St. Louis senior, will graduate with the class of 2002 with a degree in speech, language and hearing. She said that she was looking forward to the walk down the hill.
"I think it makes it more meaningful because there's a tradition behind walking down the hill," she said. "The tradition makes it more fun."
According to Robert Taft's book Across the Years on M. Oread, the process from Strong Hall to the Memorial Stadium began in 1924, right after the stadium was built.
Before the stadium was completed, graduates walked from Fraser Hall to the old Robinson Gymnasium, located
where Wescoe Hall is today.
In 1899, seniors wore graduation regalia throughout the entire school year, not just on the day of Commencement.
The first Commencement was held on June 11, 1873, but faculty members did not wear robes until after 1908. Chancellor Snow rejected students' requests to require that faculty wear robes, saying "We lay ourselves open to ridicule by the state. The majority of Kansans would have no sympathy for such a form."
When the festivities are held outside, the unpredictable Kansas weather can always change plans.
Bill Corcoran graduated from the University in 1935 with a degree in business, but did not walk down the hill because of rain.
Corcoran planned to walk this year with his twin granddaughters, Adriane and Audrey Roberts, Leawood seniors. Unfortunately, after purchasing the cap and gown and obtaining permission from the Chancellor, he will not be able to walk because of problems with his
Corcoran said that he never thought he would walk down the hill, but his granddaughters asked him to walk with them.
legs.
"It's only been 67 years since I've been out of school," he said. "It's a nice tradition, and I honored it."
Jennifer Jackson Sanner, senior vice-president and editor of the Kansas Alumni Magazine, graduated from the University in 1981.
She said that those who miss their walk usually choose to take it at some point in their lives. Sanner walked down the hill for the first time last year as a marshal after her Commencement was rained out.
Sanner said that the walk was the most important part of Commencement. Other traditional parts of collegiate commencements, such as outside speakers, are replaced with the walk.
story was edited by Jeremy Clarkson.
Contact Hill at shill@kansan.com. This
LINDSEY KILIANY/KANSAN
Adriane Roberts, Leawood senior, watches her grandfather try on a cap and gown at the graduation fair at the Kansas Union Bookstore earlier this year. William Corcoran, a 1935 KU graduate, was unable to walk down the hill at his graduation because of rain, and planned to do so this year. However, more recent health problems have caused him to forego his plans and just attend the ceremony.
Students hit open road in summer
By Jessica Tims Kansan staff writer
Summer vacation brings the opportunity for students to get out on the road toward their favorite travel destinations.
According to AAA of Kansas, more tourists are opting to take the open road instead of the friendly skies. Cherie Sage, public affairs coordinator for AAA, said the requests for maps and road trip plans were up from past years and the demand for airline tickets was down.
Piotr Zygmunt, Lawrence junior, said that he took five or six road trips each year and that he was leaving for San Fransico in a couple of weeks.
"Road trips are more enjoyable," he said. "You have more time and they are cheaper."
Seth Rabnick, Minneapolis.
Minn., freshman, said he was planning a road trip with his best friend during the summer. He said they would drive from Minneapolis to Lake Superior, then take a three-hour ferry ride to Isle Royale in Houghton, Minn.
The trip to Isle Royale is not the first Rabnick will venture on this year. He said he journeyed to St. Louis to watch the Kansas men's basketball team play in the first round of the NCAA tournament during spring break.
"Road trips give you freedom," Rabnick said. "You can stop off at restaurants and any place you see on the way."
Zygmunt and Rabnick agreed money was the most important thing to bring on a road trip.
"You have to be sure to have plenty of gas money," Rabnick said.
"Set money aside for gas, put it in an envelope and keep it in the glove box."
Zygmunt said a camera was another must-have item.
"You have to bring a camera," he said. "You will want to take a lot of pictures."
Sage said AAA suggested road trippers take these precautions before hitting the highway.
Tune-up your vehicle.
Plan your route before you leave.
Check the weather ahead of you.
- Pack a "Survival Kit" including water, snacks, cell phone and a spare tire.
Most importantly, buckle up.
Contact Tims at jtims@kansan.com. This story was edited by Justin Guenley.
GRAD GRILL
KIMBERLYTHOMPSON/KANSAN
Kevin Fann, Hutchinson senior, takes a bite out of his Grad Grill hot dog while Emily VanAndel, Wichita senior, laughs. The two enjoyed the free food and prizes yesterday at the Alumni Center.
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