KU homecoming: Students to attempt to break world record of kissing couples

LAWRENCE -- University of Kansas students will attempt to beat the world record of the largest number of couples kissing simultaneously. Keeping In School Spirit (K.I.S.S.), which is part of the university's annual homecoming celebration, will take place during "Late Night in the Phog" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17.

Danice Brown, co-chair of the Homecoming Steering Committee and Kansas City, Mo., junior, said she plans to beat the record of 1,588 couples stated by the Guinness Book of World Records.

"There are more than 16,000 people at 'Late Night,'" Brown said. "It would be easy to exceed this record."

K.I.S.S., as well as other homecoming events, will feature activities for students, faculty and staff, alumni and the local community during the week of Oct. 11 through 18.

The theme, "Jayhawk Generations: Bringing Back the Classics," will be carried out through a variety of activities including Spirit Sprint, a 5K Run/Walk, which kicked off the week Oct. 11, and the traditional homecoming parade down Jayhawk Boulevard Oct. 18 to close the events.

"We are very excited for this year's homecoming," said Elissa Hudson, Pittsburg junior and committee co-director. "This year we are striving for more overall involvement from students, community members and alumni -- we want everyone to show how proud they are to be a Jayhawk."

The committee organizes the event and is working to make it bigger and better than before, Hudson said. The committee includes students and faculty advisers. The list of students serving on the committee can be found online.

A schedule of the week's events appears below. A homecoming information table will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily on Wescoe Beach in front of Wescoe Hall.

Monday, Oct. 13
"Good luck" banner signing in front of Wescoe Hall (Wescoe Beach), 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Craziest Jayhawk Fan Costume Contest Sign-up on Wescoe Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pizza-eating contest, sponsored by Papa John's, Wescoe Beach, noon

Tuesday, Oct. 14
Homecoming murals on display in the Kansas Union Gallery, fourth floor, Tuesday through Saturday
Chalk 'n' Rock sidewalk chalk-drawing contest on Wescoe Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; judging begins at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 15
Jayhawk "Can"struction on Wescoe Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; judging begins at 2 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 16
Field Day events on Strong Hall lawn, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Office decoration contest; judging begins at noon
"Dec" the Halls (residence hall decorating competition); judging begins at 4 p.m.
Homecoming pep rally at Memorial Stadium, 7-9 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 17
Craziest Jayhawk Fans costume contest judging, noon
Mural judging, Kansas Union Gallery, fourth floor, 4 p.m.
Spirit Sing at "Late Night in the Phog," Allen Fieldhouse, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18
Homecoming parade on Jayhawk Boulevard, 10 a.m.
KU vs. Baylor football game, KU Memorial Stadium, 1 p.m.; homecoming and Ex.C.E.L. award recipients announced, halftime of the football game