2009 GRADUATION GUIDE
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2009
EDITOR'S NOTE
Walking down the hill an important tradition
G graduation season always reminds me of how fast things are moving
last things are moving and changing in my life. Now, I'm not a senior, so I don't have the perspective of coming to the end of my college career. But it seems like yesterday that I was graduating from high school.
I like the feeling graduation has — the traditions, the alumni, the family, even the formality. Because there is something about graduation that makes you realize that there's a lot of potential for how your life could end up. At this time two years ago, I never thought I would be living in Kansas, and I definitely didn't think I'd be working for The Kansan.
When I graduated from high school, I didn't think I would be where I am today, but things change and opportunities are always there.
Although I'm not a senior, I can appreciate the feelings of change, relief and happiness that come at graduation.
And if I could give only one piece of advice, it would be this: Don't miss your opportunity to walk down the hill with all the other graduates on May 17.
There won't be another time in your life that you'll get to be part of this tradition. That's much of the reason why I chose this
particular cover photo. It's something that I want to be a part of when I graduate, just to say that I was part of it.
Many may remember their high school graduations being long and boring, but it's just part of the tradition. For me, it was the feeling right after receiving my diploma that made me happy I'd opted to walk with my graduating class.
Don't forget the great memories of your years at the University. Whether you like it or not, this place has shaped who you are in some way. You may not appreciate or realize until you're graduated and gone what you really got out of college. But it's important to recognize how your past influences your future.
It may seem like just a diploma you're getting on May 17, but what really matters is the time you spent at the University and all that you accomplished.
Congratulations, Class of 2009! Good luck with life after college, and don't forget the memories you made at the University of Kansas.
Seniors recall best college memories
LOOKING BACK
Hard work, study abroad and Mario's Miracle
BY CRYSTAL YAKEL
cyakel@kansan.com
As their time at the University comes to a close, seniors are reflecting on their time in college and remembering some of their greatest memories throughout
their stay in Lawrence.
Wichita seniors Ally Mounts and Meghan Hampton have the same favorite memory as many KU students: the 2008 men's basketball national championship.
onship.
John Babcock, Holton senior,
"I have been a die-hard KU fan all my life, and to be a student during the win was unbelievable," Mounts said.
John Babcock, agreed that the championship was a highlight of his college years.
"How can you top partying with thousands of other Jayhawks after a national championship victory?" Babcock said.
Babcock has
Lucas Lux, Topeka senior, recalled a great memory from his junior year.
"I have been a diehard KU fan all my life, and to be a student during the win was unbelievable."
"We sang the alma mater with other KU students while on a bus back from a wine tasting for study abroad in Germany" Lux said. "It was a good time."
Stephanie Patyk, Wichita senior, said her work as a special events coordinator for Student
ALLY MOUNTS Wichita senior
many good memories of his years at the University, such as performing at KMEA with KU Concert Choir, sledding down Campanile hill, dancing at summer parties and traveling to Juarez, Mexico, with Weslev KU.
"On the first day of school I
Union Activities was the thing that gave her such a memorable college experience. It was Patyk's job to organize the homecoming show for her sophomore year.
received word that our previous show headliner had backed out of the show, which left us roughly six weeks to redo everything" Patyk said.
"When I found out that she had accepted SUA's offer, I was over the moon."
Because Patyk was a fan of huge fan of Kathy Griffin's show on Bravo, she suggested that Griffin be the homecoming show at the Lied Center.
STEPHANIE PATYK Wichita senior
"When I found out that she had accepted SUAs offer, I was over the moon," Patyk said.
After completely selling out the Lied Center and witnessing Griffin's comedic performance, Patyk had been the driver for her own best memory of her time at the University.
Edited by Casey Miles
Jerry Wang/KANSAN
Table of contents
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BY THE NUMBERS See how the graduating class sizes up
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Benefits for the class of 2009 and the senior gift
DO I NEED TO BE SOMEWHERE? A schedule for graduation weekend will help
GRADUATION: SINCE 1873 The University has many traditions that live on
WHERE'S WALDO? Browse through a list of this year's graduates
WALKING DOWN THE HILL Find out where to stand before the procession
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JAYHAWK NATION
Alumni across the country gather to watch the wins
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A FAMILY FIRST Senior is the first to graduate with a college degree
spring 2009 kansan staff
Editor
Managing editors
Managing editor,Kansan.com
Special sections editor
Designers
Copy chief Photo editor
Brenna Hawley
Tara Smith
Mary Sorrick
Kelsey Hayes
Nora Simon
Drew Bergman
Nick Gerik
Liz Schubauer
Kelly Stroda
Luke Morris
Ryan McGeeney
Advertising director
Sales manager
General manager, news adviser
Sales and marketing adviser
Kansan Newsroom
Kansan Newsroom
111 Stauffer Flint Hall
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Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-4810
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Laura Vest
Dani Erker
Malcolm Gibson
Jon Schlitt
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et cetera
The University Daily Kansan is the student newspaper of the University of Kansas. This graduation guide is published annually in the spring to honor the University's graduating class.
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