KU Business Centennial Celebrations: Merchants Week
Students are invited to a weeklong celebration Jan. 27–30 honoring the origins of the KU School of Business
In 1914, a three-day event called Merchants Week welcomed more than 250 merchants from all parts of Kansas to the University of Kansas campus. These merchants delivered lectures about merchandising and salesmanship, setting the groundwork for business education at the University of Kansas.
Though the event was last held in 1922, it was an annual event from 1914–1917. It was not held in 1918–19 due to World War I, but it resumed in 1920 until 1922. It evolved from Merchants Week to be called the Merchants Short Course, and in its 1920 session, KU Chancellor Ernest H. Lindley asserted the need for a business school at the university.
Four years after that assertion, the KU School of Business was officially founded and welcomed its first class.
Lindley’s official recommendation from his 1919–20 biennial report: “Provision should also be made for the establishment of a school of commerce for the more specific training of leaders in all lines of business. There is a science underlying economic activities, the knowledge of which is as necessary to success today in modern business as the knowledge of physiology is necessary to the physician.”
In January, the KU School of Business will revive Merchants Week in honor of its centennial year with student-focused programming that celebrates the school’s origins, as well as pride in the state of Kansas.
The week will feature lunch-and-learns with emerging business leaders who are KU Business alumni, a Kansas Department of Commerce representative, Kansas history and KU student entrepreneurs.
The modern version of Merchants Week is scheduled during the last week of January to coincide with Kansas Day on Wednesday, January 29.
All events throughout the week begin at 12:15 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 27: Love, Kansas Lunch-and-Learn
The first day of Merchants Week 2024 will consist of a Lunch-and-Learn for students to hear about Love, Kansas. This Kansas Department of Commerce initiative aims to attract talent and industries to the state while expanding partnerships with corporations, academia and career placement agencies. Students will learn about the ways to work, play and live in the Sunflower State. A taco bar will be provided.
Students must register to attend in Suitable. Space is limited.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Young Leaders in Business Roundtable
Students are invited to a roundtable networking luncheon with School of Business graduates. These young professionals will share their career insights and professional accomplishments. Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions and learn about strategies these graduates employed to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Dress code is casual — come as you are. Boxed lunches will be provided.
Students must register to attend in Suitable. Space is limited.
Wednesday, Jan. 29: Kansas and KU Trivia
Celebrate the 164th birthday of the Sunflower State with Kansas-themed trivia. Kansas Day celebrates the Jan. 29, 1861, date that the the state of Kansas was admitted to the Union.
Questions will focus on state of Kansas, University of Kansas and KU School of Business histories. Students can compete against fellow classmates to see who knows the most about our state and can win fun prizes. Pizza will be provided.
Students must register to attend in Suitable.
Thursday, Jan. 30: Student Venture Showcase
Students are invited to learn about their fellow classmates’ ventures in the Capitol Federal Atrium. No products will be available for purchase, but students can discover the various goods and services these students offer through their businesses. Light refreshments will be provided.
Students must register to attend every event, each of which will be worth 10 professional development points. Students who attend all four events will be eligible for a special KU School of Business centennial badge and will earn an additional 10 points for a total of 50 points.
Information about original Merchants Week sourced from“History of the School of Business” by Frank Stockton
By Lauryn Zebrowski
