Traditions Night features two fifth-generation Jayhawks

Two freshmen, both fifth-generation Jayhawks, received torches in a ceremony symbolizing the passing of knowledge during the Traditions Night program Aug. 15 in Memorial Stadium.

Richard “Richie” H. Wagstaff IV

Drew Robert Miller of Iola and Richard “Richie” H. Wagstaff IV of Prairie Village each had more than one great-great grandparent attend KU in the late 1800s. KU opened in 1866.

Four of Wagstaff's paternal great-great grandparents attended KU: Robert Barnard Wagstaff was a member of Class of 1895; Clara Butler Wheeler Wagstaff attended with the Class of 1892; Charles Sumner Gleed, who received a bachelor's degree at KU in 1880; and Mabel Gore Gleed, who earned a bachelor's of music in 1887.

Drew Robert Miller

Miller is the great-great grandson of Luther Stover, who attended KU with the Class of 1895 and of Madge Fisher Stover, a member of the Class of 1897.

KU’s Traditions Night program has received national recognition as an exemplary practice that actively engages students in learning about the culture and traditions of the campus. A report from the University of Indiana’s Institute for Effective Education Practice noted that Traditions Night brings freshmen into the stadium for an introductory ceremony where they also will participate in the Commencement ceremony.

Following the passing of the torch, everyone in the stadium was invited to join in singing the Alma Mater, followed by the Rock Chalk Chant and the KU fight song.