Outta Here
Famous alumni graduate to success
KU graduates enhance the University's reputation in many areas, including acting, space exploration and singing on Broadway
ON SATURDAY, THE UNIVERSITY OF Kansas will be full of alumni returning to look at the campus with nostalgia.
At the game, spectators may glance at the Campanile and wonder about all the people who have walked down the hill in caps and gowns. They might be surprised to learn of some of the famous Jayhawks who also have walked down that hill
Many of KU's graduates have become famous and represent KU in a variety of professions, from business to the arts. Some are even household names. Even more well-known actors, business people and athletes have attended the University but may not have graduated.
In the field of fine arts, KU is known for educating talented musicians.
Patricia Wise graduated in 1961 with a fine arts degree and became a top soprano known for her portrayal of Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeny Todd," a Broadway musical.
David Holloway, a baritone known for playing Figaro, graduated in the School of Fine Arts with a bachelor's degree in 1964
and a master's degree in 1967.
KU alumni also are represented among the executives of corporations.
Bob Eaton graduated from the School of Engineering in 1963 and is chairman of the Chrysler Corp.; Tom Downs, class of 1971, is an executive at Amtrack, and Bill Chaney, class of 1953, is an executive at Tiffany & Co.
A number of KU graduates have seen their names prominently displayed in lights across the marquees of the nation's theaters.
The Buddy Award is named after actor Buddy Rogers, class of 1926, who starred in 53 movies, including the Oscar-winning first talking film, "Wings." The Buddy Award is given each year by KU's theater and film department to an outstanding theater student.
Don Johnson, who attended KU from 1967 to 1968, received the Buddy Award in 1987.
Clifford "Kip" Niven, class of 1968, had roles in such films as "In Cold Blood" and "Earthquake." He also starred in television programs such as "Simon & Simon," "The Waltons" and "Days of Our Lives."
The Inge Theater in Murphy
Hall is named for William Inge, class of 1935. The playwright is best known for his plays "Bus Stop," "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs" and "Picnic," for which he won a Pulitzer Prize in 1953.
KU even is represented by alumni who made their mark exploring the final frontier space.
Ron Evans, class of 1955, walked on the moon with the 1972 Apollo crew and has been on three shuttle missions since. He is just one of a handful of astronauts that graduated from KU's aerospace department.
Clyde Tombaugh, a 1936 graduate, discovered Pluto, the ninth planet. The Tombaugh Observatory atop Lindley Hall is named for him.
A number of famous athletes hail from KU. Basketball standouts Wilt Chamberlain and Danny Manning are just two.
Students who become discouraged from time to time wondering whether they will make anything of themselves might find encouragement from some of KU's success stories.
—BY VALERIE BENNINGTON
CLAIM TO FAME
Some successful and famous KU alumni:
Patricia Wise, class of'61 Broadway performer
David Holloway, class of '64 Baritone
Bob Eaton, class of '63 Chairman, Chrysler Corp.
Bill Chaney, class of '53 Tiffany & Co. executive
Buddy Rogers, class of '26 Actor; Buddy award named for him
Clifford "Kip" Niven, class of'68 Actor
William Inge, class of '35 Playwright, Pulitzer Prize winner
Ron Evans, class of '55 Astronaut
Clyde Tombangh, class of '36 Astronomer; discovered Pluto
Celebrate KU's Homecoming at Molly McGees with our great food and drink specials.
Sunday-Wing Dings.20¢ & $1.25 Drafts Monday-1/2 off Milano Sticks & $1.00 Drafts Tuesday-1/2 off Cheese McGees, .59¢ Tacos &$2.25 Margaritas Wednesday-1/2 off Potato Dugouts & $1.75 Domestic Bottles Friday-$2.25 Mr. Beers Saturday-$2.25 Selected Imports
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While you're in Kansas City, visit Talk of the Town! • 11922 W.119th Overland Park
12 Homecoming
Hill October 11, 1995