KU News Release

Outstanding athletes co-chair KU’s Black Alumni Weekend

Gale Sayers

Walt Wesley

LAWRENCE — Gale Sayers, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Walt Wesley, a 10-year NBA player, will return to the University of Kansas as honorary co-chairs of the Black Alumni Weekend, Oct. 5-8.

The reunion coincides with Homecoming Week and will include a step show, career panel, networking reception, golf outing, social receptions, tailgate and the KU vs. Texas A&M football game. All KU black alumni are welcome to attend at a cost of $50 for KU Alumni Association members and $60 for non-members. Alumni should register by Sept. 29 at www.kublackalumni.org or by calling 800-KU-HAWKS.

“I am thrilled that Gale and Walt are lending their support to this important event,” said Jimmy Banks, president of the KU Black Alumni Chapter. “Their legacies on the football field and basketball court are well known to alumni across the country, and I am sure their participation will encourage many black alumni to join us in Lawrence the first weekend in October.”

In addition to providing a network for black KU graduates, the chapter works with the KU’s Black Faculty and Staff Council, Office of Admissions and Scholarships, Office of Multicultural Affairs and the KU Black Student Union to support the recruitment, retention, development and graduation of black students.

“The chapter is working to foster an environment of success for KU black students, faculty and staff,” Banks said. “We have participated in student recruitment activities, sponsored a mentoring program and hosted activities such as a student career fair. We continue to increase participation of black alumni in the KU Alumni Association and activities such as the reunion weekend.”

“This very enjoyable weekend is about taking time out to reconnect with college friends, while helping those who follow in our footsteps,” said Marshall Jackson, chapter member and KU staff member.

Sayers and Wesley were outstanding athletes while attending KU. Sayers rushed for 2,675 yards and set the NCAA record for the longest run from scrimmage at 99 yards against Nebraska in 1963. Wesley, a basketball All-American, averaged 19.3 points a game and is one of the top 25 leading scorers in KU basketball history.

Sayers and Wesley went on to illustrious professional athletic careers. Sayers was the 1965 NFL Rookie of the Year and the youngest inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Wesley was a first-round draft choice, played in the NBA for 10 years and is part of an elite group of basketball players to score 50 points in an NBA game.

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