The school that made geology cool, this painting was inspired by geological maps of Kansas. Known as the “greatest college cheer ever devised,” the Rock Chalk Chant pays homage to the literal bedrock of Kansas: Limestone. 

This piece is a generalized view of the state of Kansas from overhead. The different colors represent the different rock materials at the surface.

Fossil discoveries in the chalk limestone of Western Kansas in the late 1800’s would contribute to Darwin’s theory of evolution and make Western Kansas famous…well, archaeologically speaking. These were exciting scientific times.

It’s not surprising then that the Rock Chalk chant was born out of the same era. First adopted by the Science Club as “Rah Rah” Jayhawk in 1886, it became “Rock Chalk” with credit given to the geology department.

Like geology itself, the painting was built of many layers, creating its texture.

This piece is part of the Origin Stories Collection, created for KU's Adams Alumni Center.