Homecoming
Hemenway's first homecoming
Chancellor prepares for busy weekend
THE PARADE, THE GAME, THE WAVING OF THE wheat and of course, the Rock Chalk chant are reminders of homecoming and KU's strong sense of tradition.
One newcomer particularly impressed with KU's sense of history
impressed with RC is Chancellor Robert Hemenway.
"I think that one of the best things about KU is its sense of tradition," Hemenway said. "Homecoming can be a meaningful part of that tradition."
Hemenway will be a big part of the homecoming tradition this weekend. Although he has never participated in a homecoming at KU, Hemenway probably will be the busiest man on campus this weekend.
Hemenway
His secretary, Jane Johnson, said that Hemenway would make numerous appearances with student and alumni groups all weekend.
"I'm sure he will be stopping by several functions," Johnson said. "Chancellors try and stop by as many reunions as they can."
On Friday, Hemenway will be master of ceremonies at the Homecoming parade. He also will attend a reception for the School of Architecture. Later that afternoon, he will meet with the Chancellor's Club, a group sponsored by the Endowment Association.
On Friday evening Hemenway will attend a banquet where he will meet the new Kansas Regent, Ken Havner.
Saturday's agenda will keep him occupied from morning until night.
Hemenway will start the day with a brunch with the Chancellor's Club. Later that morning he will meet with the Kansas Honors Program Chapter Volunteers at the Adams Alumni Center.
Saturday afternoon, Hemenway will join thousands of KU students, alumni and fans at the homecoming game. There he will witness one of his favorite KU traditions, the singing of the alma mater.
"
An alumnus receives a stock certificate called a diploma. Each year it appreciates in
value.
ROBERT HEMENWAY Chancellor
"The singing of the alma mater is unique to KU," Hemenway said. "I've never seen it sung at any other school," he said.
The Chancellor will conclude homecoming weekend Saturday night with a visit to the Lied Center.
Hemenway said that the ties between alumni and the University are an
important focus at homecoming.The best way to serve alumni is to insure that the University improves every year,he said.
Hemenway compared a KU graduate to a corporate investor.
"An alumnus receives a stock certificate called a diploma," said Hemenway. "Each year it appreciates in value."
He said he thought that the goals he set for the University would help the alumni's investment appreciate.
Hemenway listed 10 improvements he wanted implemented at KU by the year 2000. These improvements include raising faculty salaries, increasing research funding and expanding the the Regents Center curriculum.
Hemenway said that if the University continued to improve, so would the value of its "stock."
For Hemenway, homecoming gives students and alumni a chance to see the returns on their investment.
—BY CHRISTINE REHDER
Hill 2095
a Monecologica 17