100 Years of Scholarship Halls
A Century of Scholarship Hall Community
A big idea that became something extraordinary
More than 100 years ago, Elizabeth Miller Watkins had a big idea: create a place where students with academic promise and financial need could find a home at the University of Kansas. What began as one house for 50 women has grown into something extraordinary — a community of 12 scholarship halls that welcomes hundreds of Jayhawks every year.
For generations, students have found far more than a place to live in the scholarship halls. They’ve built lifelong friendships, developed leadership skills and learned what it means to live in a community. They’ve learned how to cook and clean, how to care for one another and how to care for the halls they call home.
There’s nothing else in the country quite like the scholarship hall system at KU. Its continued success is due in large part to the generosity and advocacy of scholarship hall alumni and friends.
Join us as we celebrate 100 years of Scholarship Hall tradition, community, and impact at KU.
Programming Schedule
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Visit the halls, reconnect with the community, and join a beloved tradition.
| 9:00 a.m. | Event Check-In Begins. Food and beverages available at Crawford Community Center. |
| 9:30 a.m. | Welcome and remarks at Crawford Community Center. |
| 9:00 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. | All Scholarship Halls offering room tours and programming within buildings. |
| 10:55 a.m. | Lupi Day (Pearson Hall Tradition) concludes the event at Pearson Hall. |
Parking and Transportation
Guests should park at the Lied Center and take the shuttle to Crawford Community Center. ADA-accessible golf carts will be available for guests who require additional assistance.
Please plan your arrival accordingly and allow time to park and take the shuttle before the event begins.
Share Your Scholarship Hall Memories #scholhalls100
A century of scholarship halls means a century of memories, traditions and friendships. Share your photos and memories on social media using #scholhalls100 and be part of celebrating this milestone.
