The Jayhawks on Parade statues in Lawrence again are the center of attention, as Kansas University graduates pose for photos before departing Mount Oread.

“The party is over, but it’s definitely exciting, too, because I’m starting a new leg in life,” Nick Pham, a graduating senior said Friday as he posed next to the Classic Jayhawk statue in front of the Kansas Union.

The Jayhawks have become part of a traditional photo-op for graduates.

Recently, a $2,500 repair job on Bit O’ Hawk was completed, making it available again for photos in front of Jayhawk Bookstore, 1420 Crescent Road. Bit O’ Hawk’s right leg was cut off by vandals two years ago.

Bill Muggy, bookstore owner, said he thought it was important to students, especially graduates, to have the statue repaired.

“It’s a unique mascot for individuals to come up here just to have that photo op and be able to associate with it — whether it’s put on their cell phones, Facebooks or whatever,” Muggy said.

Pham wanted to be one of the first 2009 graduates to get his picture taken with one of the famed mascots. So he headed to the union on Friday morning.

“I wanted this picture just so I could have a keepsake, actually, and I wanted it with the Jayhawk because that’s what KU is about.”

Many students will stop today and Sunday for photos with the statues. The procession to Memorial Stadium for this year’s commencement begins at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.