Overview

The Jayhawk, the University of Kansas’s legendary and unique mascot, has represented the university for more than one hundred years and is recognizable around the world. In The Jayhawk, Rebecca Ozier Schulte tells the story of the beloved mythical bird’s origins and historical significance, role as mascot, relationship with student life and representation in campus publications, popularity in advertising and as merchandise, and much more. Multiple students and artists drew the Jayhawk in the twentieth century, including the long-legged Jayhawk drawn by Daniel Henry “Hank” Maloy in 1912 and the militaristic, fighting Jayhawk of 1941 created by Dr. Eugene “Yogi” Williams. Six different Jayhawks from 1912 to 1946 have been identified by the university as the most historically significant, but there are many, many more that have been discovered in hundreds of pieces of ephemera, newspaper accounts, student scrapbooks, and university publications, all housed in the University Archives. No other source brings the Jayhawk’s fascinating history together. This stunning book is highlighted by more than 300 photographs, most of them in color and many of items rarely seen by the public. The Jayhawk is sure to delight fans, alumni, and anyone who’s ever chanted “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU!”

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9780700635399

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Reviews

"The Jayhawk is truly one of the most unique and iconic mascots in the country. The history of its origins and many variations is captured both comprehensively and masterfully by longtime KU Archivist Rebecca Schulte. Even the most spirited of KU alums and fans will learn something new about everyone’s favorite fictitious bird."" - Brian Hanni, Journalism 2002, “Voice of the Jayhawks” and director of broadcasting for the University of Kansas Athletics""The Jayhawk: The Story of the University of Kansas’s Beloved Mascot discusses the origin of the term ‘Jayhawker’ and documents in detail the various representations of our mascot over the years. One passage in the book records that the KU class of 1915 said that the Jayhawker yearbook served in part to help the students ‘to be able to recall past memories.’ That's what this book did for me. I read about some history that I had not known and was reminded of some history that I experienced. I was present in the stadium in 1971 when Baby Jay was hatched. I relived my spaceflight on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1999 when I flew a T-shirt with a Jayhawk on it, a photo of which is included in the book. I also recalled my first spaceflight on Discovery in 1984 when I flew a cardboard Jayhawk that was featured in the IMAX film The Dream is Alive. That Jayhawk probably holds the record for the farthest journey that a Jayhawk mascot has ever taken. I hope that any KU grad reading the book would have the same experience as I in recalling their own memories and reliving their own experiences."" - Steve Hawley (Class of 1973), professor emeritus of Physics and Astronomy, adjunct professor of aerospace engineering, University of Kansas, NASA astronaut (retired) ""For anyone who has ever wondered about its origins, or who delights at hearing a passerby say ‘Rock Chalk’ at the sight of one’s KU shirt or hat while in a foreign country, or who just has a soft spot in their heart for their old mascot, this is the book for them. Schulte captures not just the history but also the spirit of the beloved mascot. She includes many examples of how the Jayhawk evolved over time to reflect campus and societal changes, resulting in the one we know and love today."" - Linda Cook, BS Petroleum Engineering 1980, is a senior advisor for EIG, CEO of Harbour Energy, and former CEO of Shell Gas & Power ""The Jayhawk embodies the spirit, challenges, and grit of the early settlers of Kansas and the pride of the University of Kansas community! The Jayhawk perfectly captures the history and tradition of our universally beloved symbol: one that unites Jayhawks past, present, and future."" - Heath Peterson (BS 2004, MS 2009), president, KU Alumni Association"

Author Information

Rebecca Ozier Schulte (Class of 1976) is the former University of Kansas Archivist and a career Jayhawk. She has served in various positions within KU Libraries: from student assistant to curator of the Wilcox Collection of Contemporary Political Movements to eighteen years as University Archivist.

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