The University Daily Kansan
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Page 26
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK
Kansas fans celebrating before the match against TCU Saturday afternoon Feb. 23 at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas defeated TCU 74-48.
TRAVIS YOUNG/KANSAN
CELEBRATE TRADITIONS NEW AND OLD
Immerse yourself in University culture as the new year begins.
HANNAH SUNDERMEYER
hsundermeyer@kansan.com
To some, the phrase "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk" can be interpreted as a simple slogan, representing a far greater idea of tradition, unification and family away from home. Those three words create the ambiance of a much larger picture, representing the traditions associated with the University of Kansas.
To incoming freshmen it all seems like a lot to take in, but after spending years at the University, campus traditions turn into second nature and an incredible part of everyday life.
Tradition unifies not only fellow members of the student body, but all who take part in the experience.
wneter it is students waving the wheat at football games, taking in the sights at Allen Fieldhouse or simply greeting friends on campus, the University of Kansas is widely known for the passion students have for the various traditions recognized throughout campus. From sporting events to the braying of the campus steam whistle, these and many more aspects of University life provide a unique and unforgettable experience for all those fortunate enough to take part in such traditions.
The atmosphere inside Allen Fieldhouse is possibly one of the greatest attractions at the University, as students from all different backgrounds and interests join together to support the men's and women's basketball teams. Students
dedicate hours of their time for the experience, camping out days, and even weeks, before games and trekking to Allen Fieldhouse at early hours in the morning to draw for the best seats in the lottery.
"One of the best parts about being a freshman in Allen Fieldhouse was realizing that it really does live up to the hype you always hear about before you attend your first game there," said Dalton Jorgensen, a sophomore from Paola. "It doesn't matter if the Jayhawks are winning by 2 or 20, the fans are just as crazy. It's things like that which really set it apart from any other basketball venue. From the pregame video that gives everyone in the crowd chills to waving the wheat after every victory, there is nowhere better to watch a basketball game."
Many locations around campus offer a reminder of the traditions still embraced by the University. While breathtaking to view, avoid walking under the World War II memorial, The Campanile, at all costs. The rumor passed by students from year to year is that walking under this landmark before Commencement jeopardizes graduating within four years.
Nearby, Mount Oread has a lighthearted tradition as the perfect sledding location during snowy winter months. Students have been seen sliding down this steep hill on everything from garbage can lids to dorm mattresses.
As the weather warms up, it is not a rare sight to see students taking a quick jump in the Chi Omega
fountain at the west end of Jayhawk Boulevard, a decoration that has created many memories both sentimental and mischievous. It's a University tradition to splash around on your birthday.
Along with the time-honored traditions that the University has, students can always start new ones. There are opportunities to make your own traditions along with celebrating those that surround the Fieldhouse, Campanile and Oread. As freshmen start their collegiate journey and upperclassmen return, all students are encouraged to become immersed in the unwritten laws of University life and to create their own memories in true Jayhawk fashion.
- Edited by Dylan Lysen