The mission of the Board of Class Officers (BOCO) is to recognize excellence among students, faculty, and staff at the University of Kansas. They strive to promote a sense of unity among the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes at KU and among KU students as a whole.
Each year the BOCO appoints a senior advisory board of student leaders from across campus, and that board selects the senior class motto and gift. They also create a class banner funded by optional student fees that is carried in the procession of graduates during the spring commencement ceremony.
The Senior Class Gift Campaign is a longtime tradition. Since 1873, members of the senior class have donated to their class gift to commemorate their years at KU.
In an attempt to leave a permanent mark on Jayhawk Boulevard, the 2009 Senior Advisory Board chose this year’s senior class gift to be a new flagpole in front of Strong Hall. The current flagpole is leaning and corroded and is not befitting for such a visible, historic location. A plaque will be placed next to the gift commemorating and thanking the Class of 2009 for their donation to the University of Kansas.
This year’s class banner features an image of the Jayhawk statue in front of Strong Hall on Jayhawk Boulevard, along with the 2009 class motto, “Above the Golden Valley… Ahead in the World.”
This distinctive bronze Jayhawk was commissioned by the Class of 1956 and designed and cast by Elden C. Tefft, professor of sculpture. After its completion in 1958, it was sited on the west side of the Kansas Union and moved to Baumgartner Drive in the early 1960s. In April 1975, at the suggestion of Chancellor Archie Dykes, it was moved from this site to the front of Strong Hall.
Many families take photographs of their graduates in front of this Jayhawk during Commencement weekend.
Class of 2009 officers will carry the banner at Commencement. They are: Rachel Burchfield, president; Todd Crawford, vice-president; George Lewis, secretary; and Paige Ward, treasurer.
The 2009 advisory board members are: Anne Atha, Courtney Brax, Katie Carr, Dominique Crain, Maggie Gremminger, Nathan Mack, Jade Martin, Courtney Montle, Chris Reine, Aly Rodee, Tyler Thress, Mitch Voth, and Kristen Watkins.
BOCO advisers are Lori Reesor, associate vice provost for student success, and Clinton Everhart, assistant director of student financial aid.
Copyright © 2009 by the University of Kansas
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