Gray-Little issues statement on death of Carolyn Bailey Berneking

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little issued the following statement on the death of Carolyn Bailey Berneking, former KU librarian, longtime volunteer and granddaughter of E.H.S. Bailey:

“Carolyn Bailey Berneking was a beloved member of the Jayhawk nation. On behalf of the entire University of Kansas community, I offer the deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. She will be missed.”

Bailey Berneking died Aug. 11 at age 96.

She worked to preserve the history of the university and was instrumental in ensuring Strong Hall was entered in the National Register of Historic Sites and Bailey Hall, named for her grandfather, was placed on the Kansas Register of Historic Buildings. She was a 1937 graduate of KU.

Her grandfather was the chemistry department chairman for nearly 40 years and also the creator of the iconic Rock Chalk chant. In 2010, at age 95, Bailey Berneking helped University Relations produce a video explaining the chant as a part of Traditions Night: