12B • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
GRADUATION
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2003
Students walk proudly beneath a gleaming, new Campanile. The monument was dedicated May 27,1951,to honor the 276 KU men and women who died in World War II.
Commencement a University tradition since 1873
Rapidly growing enrollment at the young University changed the way graduation was celebrated. According to the University Relations Web site, commencement was held in a tent in 1923 because no building on campus had the capacity for 3,400 guests.
kansan.com
In following years, administrators eventually decided to hold ceremonies for each school at the University for a
For more on past graduations, visit www.kansan.com.
more personal touch. However, these ceremonies aren't as popular with KU seniors.
"The individual school ceremony is only good, I guess if you want to have your name read and physically walk across a stage," said Erin Lockley, Crystal Lake, Ill., senior.
The changing landscape of the University can affect commencement. According to a story by Douglas Harvey on KUHistory.com, the construction of Potter Lake influenced graduation exercises.
Although a student drowned in May 1911, opening ceremonies for Potter Lake were held following commencement in June. Encouraged by James Naismith, former director of physical education, a graduation program was held at Potter Lake for several years.
Top: A trio of 1899 graduates don caps and gowns in one of the oldest surviving graduation photos. The earliest graduation ceremonies at the University of Kansas were held in Fraser Hall.
Laura Clark
Top: Members of the graduating class of 1923 take a puff off the traditional senior breakfast peace pipe, a symbol of the end of past feuds. This tradition, which flourished for more than 30 years, faded from popularity in the '60s.
Above: A 1976 graduate enjoys his "wet" campus. The University banned alcoholic beverages in 1987.
Above: Two 1977 graduates add touches of popular style to their graduation regalia. The graduation experience for many students includes adding personal touches to their caps and gowns.
All photos on this page are courtesy of University Archives.
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