The Dedication of Chalmers Hall
On August 23, 2015, Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little hosted a ceremony to rename the Arts and Design Building as "E. Laurence Chalmers Hall" to honor the legacy of our 11th chancellor.
Media Coverage
KU Art and Design Building named for former Chancellor Chalmers (Lawrence Journal-World, 5/20/2015)
Dedication ceremony for newly renamed Chalmers Hall is Sunday at KU (Lawrence Journal-World, 8/18/2015)
About Chancellor Chalmers
Chancellor of the University of Kansas, 1969-72
Chancellor E. Laurence Chalmers was known for giving students a voice and keeping peace during a turbulent period in our university's history. A psychologist, Chalmers was challenged to keep the peace in 1970 after an arsonist struck the student union and racial tension caused two deaths on campus. He averted a student strike by agreeing to grading options that allowed KU to complete the academic year. While brief, his chancellorship had a profound effect on the KU community.
From Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little:
"Leaders frequently are confronted with challenges to which there are no simple or clear solutions. And the testament of a true leader is acting in the best interests of an institution, no matter how those actions might be viewed in the short term, or that they might upset some people. Chancellor Chalmers made difficult and sometimes polarizing choices during the days when the very fabric of our university was at risk."
View Chancellor Gray-Little's message to campus.
Chalmers Hall Dedication
KU is in the midst of a comprehensive effort to ensure the university is ranked among the top tier of public international research universities.
Through Bold Aspirations, our strategic plan, we're changing the way we prepare students for success. We're fostering research and scholarship across all disciplines. And we're sharing the benefits of a flagship university with our state and world.