NOTICE
WIFI
CAMPUS BEAUTY
stop and take a look around, you'll like what you see // ANNA KATHAGNARATH
Glorious to view. KU's campus is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful in the nation. From the Campanile memorial to the Chi Omega fountain, aesthetic beauty is seen all along Jayhawk Boulevard
Photo by Colin jonsson
In her days as a student ambassador, Carlie Bittel saw plenty of prospective students not sure they should go to college in "boring Kansas." While giving tours of the campus, however, the Hays graduate student saw how the
University's beauty could change the minds of these wavering spectators.
"I've talked to quite a few out-of-state students who just weren't sure about coming to brown, flat Kansas," she says. But after seeing the historic limestone buildings and the magnificent views from Mt. Oread, Bittel says students were blown away by one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.
Without diminishing the vast academic and social achievements members of the University have accomplished since its founding in 1865, the beauty of campus remains a major element of pride and admiration among the KU community. The effort it takes to maintain this standard, however, is no small undertaking. In fact, besides the staff and faculty, Bittel says, the second largest University paycheck goes to campus maintenance. "It takes hundreds of thousands of dollars to make our campus look as good as it does," she says. "But the University puts in the effort because of how much the beauty of our grounds matters to the community."
Students benefit from the efforts to maintain and enhance the campus' beauty. Whether it's a building, garden, fountain or sculpture, most students have a favorite feature on campus they admire.
Bitte's favorite building, for example, is Fraser Hall. "It's a minimalist block of limestone, but every time I'm driving back to Lawrence and I see the flags waving on top of Fraser from 10 miles out, I know I'm home again. It's the symbol of KU for me." Made out of the traditional limestone native to Mt. Oread, the seven-story building is one of the highest points in Lawrence, about 1,035 ft. above sea level.
Connor Donevan says the Seventh Decade Garden IX-X abstract sculpture on the north promenade of the Spencer Museum of Art will always remind him of his time at the University. The sculpture, crafted by Louise Nevelson in 1971, was purchased by the Spencer in 1983. "It was one of our first assignments in the architecture school to explore and make a model of the sculpture," he says. "I still know every piece of metal in it by heart."
One of the main elements of the beauty of campus is its landscaping. From the yellow forsythia bushes that bloom in spring to the great weeping willows that shade the banks of Potter
Lake, the lush landscape at KU makes the campus especially beautiful.
With about 29,525 trees on campus, Celeste Clayton, Dallas sophomore, enjoys how the trees make up a large part of the campus landscaping. "I love it when they're all in bloom," she says. "There are so many different colors and textures. It's amazing."
An advantage of the University's hilltop location is the spectacular views that can be seen across campus. Whether it's from the dorms on west campus or from the outlook by the Chancellor's residence,views of campus and the surrounding landscape are memorable for both students and visitors alike.
Daniel Wulfkuhle, a student ambassador, says the spring and fall colors on campus are always picturesque. "When people are visiting and they look down into Marvin's Grove, they're all taken aback," the Perry senior says. "It's like they're not expecting that kind of beauty."
A favorite is the iconic view of the Campanile from Jayhawk Blvd., particularly from the sixth
toor balcony of the Kansas Union. Donevan's favorite place to admire this view is from inside the Spencer Research Library. "There is this kind-of secluded glassed-in area where you can look out on the Campanile. It's a really peaceful spot. I like it because there are never too many people and it's always quiet."
Whether it's the groomed lawns, majestic buildings, or lush groves that makes the University's campus stand out, there is an all-around feeling of appreciation and care to uphold its beauty. "Without sounding too cheesy," Bittel says. "You can easily leave the KU campus feeling enchanted." Jp
PLACES ON CAMPUS TO VISIT BEFORE YOU GRADUATE:
Sculptures The Korean War Memorial
Drive
The Bedazzler, The Commons at Spooner
Hall Icarus, Nichols Hall
Museum of Art Tai Chi Figure, Green Hall
Buildings Allen Fieldhouse
Fountains Chi Omega Fountain
Landscape
Marvin Grove
Kansas Union
Weaver Courtyard, Spooner Hall
7
05
06
10