/ BACK TO SCHOOL / MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / KANSAN.COM
The best way to learn is by hands-on experience. For those interested in
- For those interested in learning the traditions of the University, Traditions Night could be the most important class you take.
Traditions Night, part of Hawk Week, is at 8 p.m. Aug. 16 and will demonstrate "waving the wheat," the Rock Chalk Chant and walking down the hill, among other Kansas customs.
Charlie Persinger, director of University ceremonies and special
events, said he enjoyed giving students a history lesson during the first week of school. For instance, waving the wheat doesn't just signify hands in the air.
"There's the tradition and the background of why they're doing it," he said. "I think that's really important."
This year, the keynote speakers include football coach Turner Gill and men's basketball coach Bill Self. Also, the use of a video board will help with demonstrations,
Persinger said.
Jim Marchiony, assistant athletics director, said he had seen the effects of those songs and traditions on alumni every time they came back.
"Those traditions are extremely important to them," he said, "and a large part of what made their time at the University of Kansas so special."
Here's a breakdown of some traditions you should know.
WAVING THE WHEAT
Fans put their hands in the air and wave them back and forth. OnTV, it looks like a field of grass. In real life, it just means the Jayhawks did something good.
Ryan Waggoner/KANSAN FILE PHOTOS
ROCK CHALK CHANT
It's not much of a tradition, but KU students are known to see increased tone in their calf muscles from walking all over the hilly Lawrence terrain.
You'll most likely hear it at all the sporting events. It's a slow, resounding "Rock... Chalk... Jay... Hawk... K... U..."
Teddy Roosevelt once called it the best college chant he had ever heard. E.H.S. Bailey, a former chemistry professor, created the chant in 1886. Originally, it was meant for the science club.
KU CALVES
'CRIMSON ANDTHE BLUE'
Whenever the occasion calls for singing the alma mater, the Kansas faithful stand with arms around their neighbor and sing the following:
Far above the golden valley Glorious to view,
Stands our noble Alma Mater,
Towering toward the blue.
CHORUS:
Lift the chorus ever onward,
Crimson and the blue
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater
Hail to old KU.
Far above the distant humming
Of the busy town,
Reared against the dome of heaven
Looks she proudly down.
Greet we then our foster mother,
Noble friend so true,
We will ever sing her praises,
Hail to old KU.
-www.ku.edu
The music is based on Cornell's "Far Above Cayuga's Waters." Former Professor George Barlow Penny changed the lyrics for the glee club in 1981 and the rest is history.
STEP 1 fill out the tickets of your choice
STEP2 drop off tickets at business location (map on page 39)
2040 W. 31st Suite E
STEP3 attend Back-to-School party at Abe & Jakes
OVER $7,500 IN PRIZES!
One entry per ballot box at participating sponsors of the sweepstakes.
Ballots must be turned in by 4 pm CST on 8/20/10.
- Staff of The University Daily Kansan are not eligible to win prizes in the Hawk Ticket Sweepstakes.*
Winners will be drown on the evening at 8/20/10 at Abe & Jakes. You do not have to be present to win if you are not at the party you will be notified by e-mail. Winners must be able to present photo ID when claiming their prize.
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