The Enduring Legacy of Battenfeld Scholarship Hall at the University of Kansas
The University of Kansas (KU) has a rich history of providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds to pursue higher education. Among its many distinguished attributes are its scholarship halls, living communities that offer affordable housing and a supportive academic environment. One such hall, Battenfeld Scholarship Hall, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of philanthropy and the transformative power of education.
Origins and Philanthropic Roots
The story of Battenfeld Scholarship Hall is intertwined with the Battenfeld family and their successful business, Battenfeld Grease and Oil Co. Jesse R. Battenfeld Sr., the company's president, built the business into a major player in the industry, even during the Depression, producing millions of pounds of grease annually and supplying numerous oil companies.
Tragically, the Battenfeld family experienced profound loss with the early deaths of their two sons. John Curry Battenfeld, a student at KU, died in a car accident in 1939. His brother, Jesse R. Battenfeld Jr., a surgeon with the Navy Medical Corps, perished in a plane crash in 1945 after serving in the Pacific.
In their sons' memory, Jesse R. Battenfeld Sr. and his wife, Margaret, made significant donations to the University of Kansas. These gifts led to the establishment of two prominent landmarks: Battenfeld Scholarship Hall and Battenfeld Auditorium at the KU Medical Center. These contributions underscore the family's commitment to education and their desire to create lasting opportunities for future generations of students.
A Home for Scholars: Battenfeld Hall
Tom Hardy, a Hoisington native, lived at KU’s Battenfeld Scholarship Hall as a student and initially studied physics. He switched to economics after a University Honors Program advisor suggested he explore a business class. He graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and earned his MBA at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
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Battenfeld Scholarship Hall provides affordable housing for students based on need and academics. It fosters a close-knit community where residents share responsibilities and support one another's academic pursuits.
Scholarship Halls at KU: A Tradition of Excellence
Battenfeld Scholarship Hall is one of several scholarship halls at KU, each with its unique history and traditions. These halls offer a distinctive living experience that combines academic rigor with a strong sense of community.
One example is Jolliffe Hall, originally constructed in 1925 as a University Club for male faculty members. Later, it became home to the Acacia fraternity. During World War II, the hall was transformed into a women's residence hall and remained so until 1950. Jolliffe Hall fostered a unique environment where students shared responsibilities and formed lasting bonds.
Another example is Miller Hall, one of two scholarship halls for women at KU. Students were chosen based on need and academics.
The Importance of Affordable Education
The existence of scholarship halls like Battenfeld underscores the importance of affordable education. These halls provide opportunities for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to access higher education and achieve their academic goals. They also foster a sense of community and belonging, which can be particularly valuable for students who are far from home.
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KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway once noted the importance of maintaining these halls when he said, “When we get the money for a new building, we also should be asking for money to maintain them.” This statement highlights the ongoing need for investment in these valuable resources.
Other KU Landmarks Shaped by Philanthropy
The Battenfeld family's generosity is just one example of the many ways in which philanthropy has shaped the University of Kansas. Throughout its history, KU has benefited from the support of countless individuals and organizations who have contributed to its growth and development.
One notable example is the gift from Tom and Jan Hardy, who provided a $2 million gift to the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum to fuel preservation efforts for the historic exhibit at the heart of the museum, the Panorama. The 132-year-old exhibit showcases a variety of preserved animal specimens in their habitats, with North American mammals at its center.
These gifts, like the one that created Battenfeld Hall, demonstrate the transformative power of philanthropy and its ability to create lasting legacies that benefit generations of students.
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