KU News Release

LAWRENCE — Rock Chalk Revue, the annual variety show produced by University of Kansas students to benefit Douglas County United Way, has selected five groups for its 61st production, scheduled for March 4-6 at the Lied Center.

The Rock Chalk Revue advisory board chose “Full Speed Ahead” as the 2010 show’s theme and announced participants at a Nov. 23 ceremony at Liberty Hall in Lawrence. Winning groups and their titles are

— “Ripe!,” Kappa Delta sorority and Theta Chi fraternity
— “Where in the World?,” Gamma Phi Beta sorority and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity
— “Meet Me In Candy Land,” Sigma Kappa sorority and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity
— “Flying Solo: A SuperMusical,” Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity
— “Prepare for a Scare,” Alpha Delta Pi sorority and Sigma Nu fraternity

The revue is nationally recognized as one of the largest student-run philanthropy activities in the United States. Last year’s show raised an all-time record $60,000 donated to the Douglas County United Way and earned the students a 2009 Campaign Star. The amount represented a 58 percent increase over the 2008 United Way contribution of $38,000. Since 1991, Rock Chalk Revue has raised more than $800,000 for United Way.

According to United Way leaders, contributions by Rock Chalk Revue, Leadership Givers of the Spirit of Kaw Valley Association and local Pacesetter organizations have collectively raised 30 percent of the 2009 campaign goal of $1.8 million. In addition, KU students donated more than 10,000 volunteer service hours to United Way agencies.

Rock Chalk Revue students set a $60,000 goal for the 60th anniversary show and hope to increase that amount in 2010.

“Rock Chalk Revue has become a staple of tradition at the University of Kansas,” said Executive Producer Stephen Fessler, a senior from Lee’s Summit, Mo. “In order to continue our success as one of the largest donors to the United Way of Douglas County, we are hoping to surpass last year’s record donation of $60,000 by at least 25 percent on our 61st anniversary.”

KU students write and produce the annual satirical musical revue as well as fill leadership and fundraising roles. Judges selected five shows from 12 entries.

The Rock Chalk Revue advisory board includes 23 students and four advisers. The advisers are Rueben Perez, director of the Student Involvement and Leadership Center; Ruth Stoner, Student Success budget and personnel administrator; David Johnston, marketing director at the KU Alumni Association; and Stefani Gerson, student programs coordinator for the alumni association.

Student advisory board members are listed below by hometown, major, level in school, parents’ names, high schools or previous degrees earned and board role.

CLAY COUNTY
From Clay Center 67432
May Davis, senior in strategic communication, daughter of Duncan and Kim Davis; Clay Center Community High School; co-promotions coordinator.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Fairway 66205
J.D. Christie, senior in finance, son of Diane Christie; Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village; co-fundraising coordinator.

From Leawood 66209
Mark Campbell, junior in biology preparing to study business, son of John and Mary Campbell; Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Mo.; co-promotions coordinator.

Nick Vignatelli, senior in finance, son of Brad and Mary Vignatelli; Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Mo.; business manager.

From Lenexa 66219
Emily Baird, senior in accounting, daughter of Ted and Kate Baird; St. Thomas Aquinas High School; senior adviser.

From Mission Hills 66208
Graham Stark, senior in political science, son of Benjamin and Rita Stark; Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village; co-community service director.

From Olathe 66062
Meghan Puhr, senior in news and information and strategic communication, daughter of Alicia Puhr; Olathe South High School; co-executive director.

From Overland Park 66209
Dana Aks, senior in political science, daughter of Howard and Nancy Aks; Blue Valley North High School; secretary.

Matt Farmer, sophomore preparing to study business, son of Susan Farmer; Blue Valley North High School; member-at-large.

Alison Woodward, senior in secondary-level education, daughter of William and Joanna Woodward; Blue Valley North High School, member-at-large.

From Overland Park 66221
Andrew Campbell, junior in accounting, son of John and Debora Campbell; Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Mo.; sales manager.

From Prairie Village 66208
Anna Ferber, senior in finance and marketing, daughter of Scott and Jane Ferber; Notre Dame De Sion, Kansas City, Mo.; co-fundraising coordinator.

Molly McMahon, senior in communication studies, daughter of Terrence and Rita McMahon; Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park; alumni relations coordinator.

Alec Saysoff, senior in history, son of Mike and Molly Saysoff; Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park; production manager.

SALINE COUNTY
From Salina 67401
Nate Miller, master’s degree student in urban planning, son of Jo and Shannon Buchanan; bachelor’s degrees in geography and history from KU, summer 2009; Salina High School Central; member-at-large.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita 67230
Spencer Glenn, sophomore preparing to study business, son of Phillip and Marlene Glenn; Andover Central High School; member-at-large.

ILLINOIS
From Belleville 62223
Evan Neville, sophomore preparing to study business and medicine, son of James and Carol Neville; Althoff Catholic High School; member-at-large.

From Wheaton 60187
Patrick Peterson, senior in the professional master’s of architecture program, son of Mark and Marcella Peterson; Wheaton-Warrenville South High School; co-executive director.

MISSOURI
From Kirkwood 63122
Alex Dickmann, sophomore preparing to study business and law, son of Brian and Lisa Dickmann; Vianney High School; program coordinator.

From Lee’s Summit 64081
Stephen Fessler, senior in accounting and finance, son of Robert and Theresa Fessler; Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Mo.; executive producer.

From Manchester 63021
Ali Ainsworth, senior in human biology and dance, daughter of Charles and Linda Hennemann; Visitation Academy, St. Louis, Mo.; co-community service director

TEXAS
From Kingwood 77345
Elizabeth Elliott, senior in theatre, daughter of Paul and Shannon Elliott; Kingwood High School; theatrical adviser.

WISCONSIN
From Brookfield 53005
Joe Watson, junior in finance and marketing, son of David and Shelly Watson; Brookfield East High School; senior adviser.