MEDIA ADVISORY: KU School of Law to celebrate 125th anniversary, unveil painting Friday

WHAT: The University of Kansas School of Law will commemorate its 125th anniversary with a program for faculty, staff, students, alumni, invited guests -- and the media. The event is not open to the public.

WHEN: 12:30 p.m. Friday Nov. 7

WHERE: 104 Green Hall

DURATION: One hour

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
 • Dean Stephen R. McAllister will speak about the founding of the KU Department of Law and its early days, including introducing several historical figures portrayed in costume by current and former faculty members

 • Unveiling of 6-foot-by-8-foot painting by Stephen Johnson of Lawrence.

Johnson, best known for his bestselling children's books "My Little Red Toolbox" and "Alphabet City," is a 1987 KU graduate.

 • Birthday cake and pizza.

HISTORY: In November 1878 the Kansas Board of Regents created the KU Department of Law and invited Douglas County's newly elected attorney, James W. "Jimmy" Green, to lead the department. The department became a full school of law in 1889. Green, who initially served without pay, was dean from 1878 until his death Nov. 4, 1919, 41 years to the day that he took the job.

The school began with 13 students and now has more than 500. The school offers 140 courses, five certificate programs, eight clinics and seven joint degree options.

For more information, click here.

NOTABLE:
 • The law school's first African-American alumnus graduated in 1887.
 • The first woman graduated from the law school in 1891.

For more information about Dean Jimmy Green and the law school, visit this KUhistory.com article: www.kuhistory.com/proto/story.asp?id=19.