Monday, August 17, 2009
Traditions Night has usually been a night to celebrate traditions at the University. But this year the event will also be welcoming many changes to the University.
The event, which has the theme “New Faces of 2009: Think like a freshman,” will introduce Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little and the new student body president, Mason Heilman. The community will also have the opportunity to see the changes made to Memorial Stadium, including the larger Jayhawks emblem at the 50-yard line.
John Staniunas, chairman of the theater department, is helping organize the event.
Traditions Night
Traditions Night
Location: Memorial Stadium
Time: Monday, Aug. 17, 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Emcees: Mason Heilman and Nicole Hodges Persley
Speakers: Professor James Carothers and Kansas coach Bill Self Special introduction of Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little
“There’s a lot of people in the mix,” Staniunas said. “My job is to listen to all the people, bring people together to run things smoothly, like clockwork.”
Staniunas said that in keeping with the theme, the event organizers would go through the traditions in a new order.
The department of theater will also introduce its new faculty member, Nicole Hodges Persley, who will serve as co-host of Traditions Night.
Charlie Persinger, director of University ceremonies and special events, said he was excited about the event. He estimated a total of 5,000 students, faculty, staff and community members attended the event last year. He said he hoped the new elements this year would draw more people.
Traditions Night is an opportunity for incoming freshmen, transfer students and others to learn about KU traditions such as waving the wheat, the Rock Chalk Chant and the Alma Mater.
Persinger said James Carothers, professor of English, will be giving a speech about the importance of the school’s colors, crimson and blue, and Kansas coach Bill Self will speak to inspire students for the new school year.
“It’s kind of an educational pep rally,” Persinger said. “We are teaching the historical perspective— why KU is important.”
Traditions Night is also gaining special attention from another school, Persinger said. He said officials at Azusa Pacific University were interested in using the University’s template to produce a similar event for their own school.
The Marching Jayhawks, KU Choir and Spirit Squad will provide the entertainment for Traditions Night.
Heilman, Lawrence senior, said he has seen the event before. He was in the Marching Jayhawks for the last three years, but this year he will serve as co-host of the event.
“I’m really excited about it,” Heilman said. “I think it will be a lot of fun.”
— Edited by Samantha Foster
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