KANSAN.COM / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010 / HOMECOMING
TRADITIONS
13C
Role of grand marshal extends beyond parade
Alumnus Robert Eaton holds the honorable position that helps lead the week's homecoming events
BY ELIZABETH ALBANI editor@kansan.com
Although homecoming has been a tradition at the University of Kansas for 98 years, students seem to be unaware of one of the most important aspects of the week, the grand marshal. The
Homecoming Steering Committee begins the planning process for homecoming almost a year in advance. A few of the members'
Eaton
first tasks include choosing the homecoming theme and the grand marshal.
This year's grand marshal, Robert Eaton, was chosen in January. Eaton, once the CEO of the Chrysler Corporation as well as the president of General Motors Europe, flew to the top of the committee's list because his achievements fit this year's automotive theme of Rock Chalk Road Trip.
After the theme was decided, the committee began discussing possibilities for the esteemed role. Each committee member comes up with a few possibilities. These are discussed and taken into consideration before a final decision is made. When
making this decision, the potential grand marshal's affiliation with the University and relation to the theme are considered. The grand marshal is not required to be a KU graduate, and can be an employee or a friend of the University.
Eaton graduated from the University in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in engineering. In 1994 he went on to receive one the highest honors granted by the University, the Distinguished Service Citation. This award recognizes service and achievement in the professional world. Eaton also received the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1995.
Eaton Hall, which houses the University's School of Engineering, is named after Eaton because of his donation toward the construction of the building.
Most students at the
coming, described his position.
Gerson explained that the grand marshal holds an important leadership role during homecoming and is asked to participate in activities throughout the week. He or she is invited to a homecoming reception on Friday where the Steering Committee, ExCEL Award winners, and the grand marshal are recognized. She also said he is invited to participate in the parade and asked out to the field during halftime of the homecoming football game to assist in presenting the ExCEL Award to its recipients.
Robert Eaton, a 1963 KU graduate, is a former CEO of the Chrysler Corporation and former president of General Motors Europe. Eaton Hall, which houses the School of Engineering, is named after him.
A few past grand marshals include Danny Manning in
University seem to be unaware of the important role the Grand Marshal plays throughout the Homecoming Week. Stefani Gerson, one of the Alumni Association advisers for home-
2003, Curtis McClinton in 2005 and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in 2007.
Although Eaton could not be reached for an interview, Gerson said he is very excited to be involved
year's Rock Chalk Road Trip Homecoming.
Edited by Clark Goble
History's victories
Photos contributed by the Spencer Research Library Above: Homecoming queen Susan Wassenberg and her escort smile in the stands at the homecoming football game in 1968. The tradition of crowning a homecoming queen, which began in 1925, was reocked by the ExCEL award.
Left: Members of Delta Chi fraternity build a Jayhawk and a Wildcat on the lawn in front of their house for the homecoming parade in 1973. Kansas beat Kansas State that year, 25-18.
HOMECOMING Oct.18-24
Today MONDAY, OCTOBER 18
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Monday Funday
Wescoe Beach
10:50 a.m., 11:50 a.m.,
12:50 pm.
Corn Dog Eating Contest
Wescoe Beach
5-11 p.m.
3 vs. 3 basketball
Student Recreation
Fitness Center
Scavenger Hunt Hint
Tomorrow TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Chalk 'n' Rock
Wescoe Beach
A picture is worth a thousand words Or so I have heard the saying goes Art can be seen as bizarre or absurd It's in the eye of the beholder, I suppose So whether it's American or European A Sculpture A Quilt or A Print— stand as a monument to artistic creation. Take a picture of me before your second hint.
5-9 p.m.
3 vs. 3 basketball semifinals/finals
Student Recreation Fitness Center
5-8 p.m.
Jayhawk Jingles
Dress Rehearsals
Adams Alumni Center
Good luck!
T-shirts on sale!
Weekdays from 10 a.m.--2 p.m.
on Wescoe Beach, now through
Homecoming Week. $10,$15
www.homecoming.ku.edu
TEA·SNACKS·ESPRESSO·WIFI
712 Mass St.
785-856-8500
www.teapouro.net
eapouro