At top, close to 100 Mount Oread Scholars walk up Campanile Hill Monday, to begin their academic life at Kansas University. The incoming students were briefed at stops along the way about the history and traditions of KU. The walk and upward direction symbolize the scholars' first year at KU and their preparation for their eventual goal of walking down the hill at graduation. At bottom the KU Marching Jayhawk Band practices.

About 100 Mount Oread Scholars walk up Campanile Hill Monday, symbolizing their arrival at Kansas University. The incoming students were briefed at stops along the way about the history and traditions of KU.

Each year for the past several, a new group of Kansas University freshmen has started their college careers with a trek that mirrors the one they hope to make four (or five) years down the road.

The Mount Oread Scholars, an honor group for incoming freshmen at KU, sponsors a walk up the hill the Monday after freshmen move into the residence halls. They did it again this year.

About 100 scholars, joined by faculty and administrators who will help them as mentors throughout their time at KU, took part in this year’s exercise.

As they made the trip up the hill, they stopped to hear from faculty about different traditions that are important at KU.