Chancellor to serve as grand marshal for Homecoming parade
LAWRENCE—The 18th chancellor of the University of Kansas will be the grand marshal of the KU Homecoming Parade at 5 p.m. Oct. 25 on Massachusetts Street in downtown Lawrence. The theme for KU’s 107th Homecoming is “Far Above the Golden Valley.”
Since beginning his tenure as chancellor in July 2017, Douglas A. Girod has focused on making KU a top destination for students and scholars by improving the student experience, strengthening KU’s outreach to the state and expanding university research. Under his leadership, student recruitment and success rates are at an all-time high, and the university launched Kansas Team Health, an innovative model of medical care and wellness for KU student-athletes.
A head-and-neck surgeon, Girod first joined the KU Medical Center faculty in 1994 and became chair of the otolaryngology department in 2002 before assuming the role of executive vice chancellor in 2013. He also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1982 to 1997, retiring as lieutenant commander.
The parade is part of a weeklong celebration that begins Oct. 19 and includes several student and alumni activities, including competitions, reunions and tailgates, all of which lead up to the KU-Texas Tech football game Oct. 26 in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. This year’s event is sponsored by Best Western Plus West Lawrence, Crown Toyota, Volkswagen and the KU Bookstore.
A complete schedule of Homecoming week activities can be found at kualumni.org/homecoming.
About the KU Alumni Association
Through the support of members and donors, the KU Alumni Association advocates for the University of Kansas, communicates with Jayhawks in all media, recruits students and volunteers, serves the KU community and unites Jayhawks. For more information, visit kualumni.org.
Photo: Credit Steve Puppe.