4
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
GRADUATION
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 20-22, 2005
Land of the JAYHAWKS
It's the Kansas Jayhawk.
Some native Kansans grew up knowing and loving the Jayhawk and having pictures taken with the mythical mascot. Even those who are new to the University come to appreciate the Jayhawk after just a year on the KU campus.The Jayhawk has been mocked by rival university for the simple fact that it has never actually existed. But students at the University of Kansas know better.
The Jayhawk stands for something more, it symbolizes the spirit of the University of Kansas. Even the school song expresses the importance of the Jayhawk to every student at the University. "I'm a Jayhawk" encapsulates the spirit of the Jayhawk. The Jayhawk traces its roots to the Civil War, just like the rivalry with Mizzou, as it was the name of free-state soldiers. These
Jayhawkers objected to Kansas becoming a slave state and raided neighboring state Missouri to protest their slavery.
The Jayhawk is only one of many traditions, myths, and superstitions that exist on Mount Oread. Explore the richness and tradition of the University of Kansas.
— Bailey DeReus
Very SUPERSTITIOUS
Kansan file photo
According to KU legend, the bronze Jayhawk in front of Strong Hall on Jayhawk Boulevard will fly away the day a girl graduates a virgin.
Numerous myths and superstitions have accumulated during the 150 years since the founding of the University of Kansas. While some Jayhawks shrug off the notion of mysterious superstitions controlling the fate of students, many of these myths and legends have managed to grow into tall tales and exaggerations
This superstition most likely grew from campus pride in and respect for the Campanile.
For instance, many Jayhawks believe that if students walk through the Campanile during their undergraduate years, they will not make it to graduation day.
Another popular KU myth is if a woman graduates from the University as a virgin, the Jayhawk statue in front of Strong Hall will turn into a real bird and fly away.
Numerous students likewise believe that Wescoe Hall was originally planned to be a parking garage, but that is not the case. Wescoe was
planned to be the tallest building on campus, but the University ran short of funding and had no choice but to finish the building with only four floors, none of which were supposed to be a parking garage.
One of the most talked about myths at the University is the story of the origin of the Jayhawk. The Jayhawk was born during the "Bleeding Kansas" era before the Civil War.
The Confederate sympathizers from Missouri created the word "Jayhawk" to describe the tactics and characteristics of Kansas abolitionists. Kansans were infamous for being aggressively territorial, like the Blue Jay, and also impressive attackers, similar to hawks.
Because Kansans exhibited both of these bird's characteristics, people began to call Kansans "Jayhawks."
Myths and rumors seem to grow with time no matter what. Historians discuss how things really happened
and develop numerous theories. The same goes with many of the legends lurking around campus today. Whether these legends are true, one must admit they all lend more authenticity and character to the University's history and humble beginnings.
THE TOLLING OF THE BELLS
— David Schaeffer
The Campanile, atop the University's famous Mount Oread, adds to the many lures of the KU campus. Tolling every quarter hour and ringing with the sound of the Alma Mater this weekend, the inner workings of the Campanile (camp-eHNEE-lee) deserve explanation.
About 10 students play and study the carillon (KAREeh-lon), the instrument inside the Campanile, each semester. A University Carillonneur teaches carillon classes in the School of Fine Arts, at levels 100,300 and 621. Students of any major may study the carillon,
whether they're undergraduate or graduate students.
The Campanile is a World War II memorial, built in 1950
The carillon has four octaves in range and is played live weekdays, during holidays, for special concerts, some on-campus weddings and graduation. The carillon's quarterly tolls are mechanical, but the songs played at noon and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday when school is in session are not. Students play them live four days a week.
Having a carillon on the KU campus is unique because there aren't more than 200 carillons in the world.
and dedicated in 1951, to honor the 277 faculty and students lost in the war. The 53bell carillon was cast by the John Taylor Bellfoundry of Loughborough, England. The dream of bringing a carillon to the KU campus began with KU philosopher Olin Templin about 60 years before it was constructed. He passed away before plans for the carillon began.
"The carillon is not only important because it's a memorial, but because it's part of our school's history and a part of our college experience," said Erin Morrissey Portland, Ore., senior and student caril-
The carrillon is not only important because it's a memorial, but because it's part of our school's history and a part of our college experience."
Erin Morrissey Portland, Ore., senior
loneur. "It sounds every 15 minutes."
The Campanile glows under a full moon in 2002.
Kansan file photo
Looking for That Perfect 3 or 4 Bedroom Apartment?