Ann Eversole Rock Chalk Revue Fund

History of Rock Chalk Revue

In 1949, Roy Wonder, a business student at the University of Kansas, decided the University needed a campus-wide variety show. Wonder envisioned a show similar to Kansas State University’s Y-Orpheum and was quoted in The University Daily Kansan as saying, “The idea of a campus-wide variety show is well established at many schools. We hope this show will be the first of many.” KU students did not embrace Wonder’s idea until a letter written by Ross Miller, the producer of K-state’s show, appeared in The University Daily Kansan criticizing Wonder for stealing K-State’s idea. The letter ignited yet another rivalry between the two schools, triggering an increase in interest and support for the show. However, unbeknownst to the students, the letter was actually a scheme devised by Wonder and Miller as friends in order to generate student support.

A contest was held to create a name for the show, offering ten dollars for the winning entry. Kathleen Larson was awarded the prize for her entry, “Rock Chalk Revue”. The first show was held in Hoch Auditorium with an audience of almost 500 people. Tickets sold for fifty cents each and the proceeds were donated to the YMCA and the YWCA.

More details about the history of Rock Chalk Revenue can be found at http://groups.ku.edu/~rcr/images/rcrhistory.pdf

Rock Chalk Revue Today

The show was a success and has now become a great tradition at KU. Annually in the spring, several hundred University of Kansas students come together at the Lied Center to present a musical variety show comprised of 5 mini-productions created and produced by various KU living organizations. Rock Chalk Revue is considered one of the top student performance-philanthropy campus traditions in the United States.

Rock Chalk Revue is “showtime” filled with fun, laughs and awards for the participating students. To prepare for their moments in the spotlight, students give up months of after-class hours to participate in required daily practice sessions. KU students run the show. They write, produce, act, sing and dance in each of the five original musicals. The entire program is coordinated by an Advisory Board of 20 students and 4 advisors.

For many students, this is their first exposure to utilizing their time and talent for the benefit of helping those less fortunate. It can be the beginning of a life-long commitment to volunteerism. In addition to the annual monetary gift to United Way, KU students contribute more than 10,000 volunteer hours each year to Douglas County and Lawrence community organizations affiliated with the United Way of Douglas County in the name of Rock Chalk Revue.

Spotlight on Ann Eversole

Ann Eversole, Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success, has served as an advisor to the Rock Chalk Revue board for almost twenty years. Last spring, the Rock Chalk Revue student advisory board surprised Ann by establishing the "Ann Eversole Lifetime Achievement Award" in her honor and dedication to Rock Chalk Revue. She was named its first recipient. The award will be given annually to individuals who have a longstanding record of supporting the show. Ann will be retiring from KU in 2009 and her involvement with Rock Chalk Revue will be greatly missed. As noted in recent program booklets, Ann was thanked for her “guidance and support with Rock Chalk and with all of life’s decisions” (Rock Chalk Revue Program Booklet, ’06) and  “Constant support, motivation, and encouragement” (Rock Chalk Revue Program Booklet, ’05). Because of Ann's dedication to Rock Chalk Revue, an account at KU Endowment Association has been formally named the Ann Eversole Rock Chalk Revue Fund.

How Will The Fund Be Used?

The fund will be used to offset the ever increasing costs for producing Rock Chalk Revue. Last year costs for the Lied Center rental, music rights, awards and advertisements exceeded $50,000.  If more donations could be used to offset the production expenses, then more money could be donated to the United Way of Douglas County, helping the entire community. Donations to the Ann Eversole Rock Chalk Revue Fund are tax deductible.

Rock Chalk Raises Funds for United Way

The United Way of Douglas County became the official beneficiary of the show in 1991. The first donation to the Lawrence United Way was $4,500. Today, Rock Chalk Revue is one of the largest contributors to the United Way of Douglas County, making KU’s tradition one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the United States.  For the last 25 years, the proceeds of the show have benefited the United Way of Douglas County (UWDC). Rock Chalk Revue is a "Pacesetter" for UWDC and donated $38,000 to the 2008 campaign. The record single-year donation was $52,000 in 2003. In 2007, Rock Chalk’s donation represented 13% of the University’s total contribution to the United Way.

Make a gift to the Ann Eversole Rock Chalk Revue Fund