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A Walk to Remember

Since 1950, KU graduates have celebrated one of KU’s most cherished traditions at commencement

BY DAVID JOHNSTON

Editor’s note: Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Commencement will not occur on May 17. University leaders will reschedule the traditional ceremony for late summer or early fall. Kansas Alumni and the Association will report details as soon as they are available.

Dedicated in 1951, the KU Memorial Campanile honors the 278 KU men and women who gave their lives during World War II. In one of KU’s most cherished traditions, members of the Class of 2020 will walk through the 70-year-old carillon bell tower and down the Hill May 17 at Commencement, a tradition that began with the Class of 1950.

Through seven decades, the walk down the Hill has become a rite of passage for KU graduates, except on rare occasions when rain forced the proceedings into Allen Field House. During the tumultuous spring of 1970, rain sent the ceremony indoors, so graduates could not share in the timeless tradition—until now.

For their 50th reunion, members of the Class of 1970 have been invited to walk down the Hill during Commencement, joining this year’s graduates in cap in gown, as part of the Alumni Association’s Gold Medal Club reunion weekend.

We hope the classes of 1970 and 2020 savor their moments in the sun.

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