The big story this weekend is Kansas University commencement with its various activities and approximately 4,500 students walking down Campanile Hill into Memorial Stadium on Sunday to receive their degrees. This is the university’s 143rd commencement ceremony with graduates from throughout Kansas, 46 states and 43 countries at the center of the event.

This program marks the end of hard academic work, many sacrifices by parents to finance their children’s college education, students working one or more jobs to pay their own way through school and many other challenges.

An interesting side story relative to these students would be to learn why they selected KU for their college education. Was it because other members of their families had attended KU? Was it the most convenient or least costly school? Was it because of the excellence of a particular KU program or the reputation of a professor or was it merely because “going to college was what was expected of me”?

Another good question is what graduates think about their experiences on Mount Oread and did it measure up to their expectations?

As noted above, the primary focus of attention this weekend will be the students, with far too many, particularly the general public sitting in Memorial Stadium, failing to consider the role and importance of the faculty members who lead the procession into the stadium. Usually, these men and women, dressed in their colorful robes and caps, are looked upon as merely supporting players in the exercise.

However, it is the level of excellence, achievement and dedication of these faculty members that causes a high percentage of top high school graduates to choose KU. These are the individuals who sustain and build the academic and research excellence of the university. They are the ones who make the difference between an average, run-of-the-mill college and one of true academic distinction.

Unfortunately, a number of these teachers, researchers, deans and former deans will be ending their careers at KU this spring. They, too, are graduating, and it is a huge loss for the school and the state. They, too, were recruited by many of the top, elite universities and industries, but they made the decision to come to Lawrence and KU.

John Gaunt, dean of the KU School of Architecture, Design and Planning, is leaving his post after 21 years. He is a true professional with national and world recognition as a former president and CEO of Ellerbe Becket in Minneapolis before coming to KU. He has elevated the School of Architecture to new heights.

Ed Meyen, professor emeritus of the School of Education, is stepping aside. He came to KU in the 1970s at a salary in the mid-$13,000 range and has been a giant in the field of education and support for children with developmental disabilities. KU’s special education program, thanks to the excellence and commitment of Meyen and others, is ranked No. 1 in the country.

Consider the loss to the KU School of Law with the retirement of two former deans — Mike Davis and Martin Dickinson — who have a combined 90-plus years of service to the university. These two men are recognized not only for their excellence, their publications and their knowledge of the law but also for their leadership and interest in the community and the way in which they represent their profession and the university.

Another school losing two distinguished faculty members is the School of Music with Robert Foster and James Barnes stepping aside. These two men have a combined service of 84 years for KU. They have carried the KU flag as directors and composers throughout the world.

Ronald Borchardt is another “giant” who is leaving the university. A distinguished professor in pharmaceutical chemistry, he is recognized worldwide for his work on drug design and delivery. Superior students throughout the world vie to come to KU to learn and be inspired by Borchardt and his associates.

By the way, Borchardt makes it clear he does not like the word “retire,” as he prefers to say he is “transitioning.” This probably is true of other above-mentioned retirees, who are likely to keep a hand in the business of education in one way or another.

Faculty members such as these have set extremely high standards and achievements for others to match, and their positions will be difficult to fill.

It is proper for the major share of the attention Sunday to be focused on the students receiving their degrees, but equal importance should be placed on the critical role of the faculty members leading the procession. They are the ones who have the opportunity to excite, inspire and enthuse students to learn, question, explore and dream of what they can contribute to our society.

Special thanks should be given to all faculty members, particularly those who are completing their careers.