KU News Release

Go to county and state directory

LAWRENCE — Each spring, graduating seniors at the University of Kansas celebrate their academic accomplishments by taking a symbolic walk down Mount Oread.

At 8:30 a.m. Monday, August 16, the 2010-11 class of Mount Oread Scholars will signify the beginning of their higher education journeys with a walk up the hill.

The 197 scholars will be led by Kathryn Nemeth Tuttle, assistant vice provost for Student Success. Tuttle will provide commentary about campus history and Mount Oread, pointing out landmarks along the way. The scholars will carry the 2010 graduation banner to further mark the important beginning. Scholars are encouraged to wear their Mount Oread Scholars shirts that state, “What Goes Up, Must Come Down.”

Established in 1996, the Mount Oread Scholars Program facilitates academic connections on campus and is part of the University Advising Center. New first-year students are invited to become Mount Oread Scholars if they graduated in the top 20 percent of their high school classes and received an ACT composite score of at least 28 or a minimum SAT score of 1240.

Mount Oread Scholars work closely with advisers in their fields of interest, share class schedules to form study or discussion groups and attend scholar support sessions. In addition, there are some small class options reserved for scholars. The retention rate for Mount Oread Scholars after one year averages 11 to 15 percent higher than first-time, full-time freshmen overall.

The walk up the hill will be followed by a continental breakfast reception at Spencer Research Library. Library staff, including Beth Whittaker, head of Spencer Research Library, will greet the students and invite them to learn more about KU’s libraries as they enjoy a commanding view of the Kaw River Valley from the gallery.

KU libraries house scores of internationally significant collections and offer innovative services to support learning. Spencer Research Library, for example, includes many archival collections and rare books and manuscripts to support research across the curriculum.

Tuttle, Dean of Libraries Lorraine Haricombe, Professor James Carothers and Mount Oread Scholars Program alumna and KU senior Emily Burgen of Eskridge will address the scholars at the breakfast.

Scholars are listed below by their parents’ or guardians’ home addresses (when available).