“Far Above the Golden Valley” (1948) – A Look at the University of Kansas’ Legacy“Far Above the Golden Valley” is a historical promotional film created in 1948 for the University of Kansas (KU). Produced by the Calvin Company, a leading industrial film producer of the time, the film offers a nostalgic glimpse into post-war college life in Lawrence, Kansas. It was designed as a recruitment and public relations tool, capturing the university’s traditions, academic programs, and vibrant student culture.
The title of the film is a direct reference to KU’s alma mater, “Crimson and the Blue,” which opens with the line:
“Far above the golden valley, glorious to view,
Stands our noble Alma Mater, towering toward the blue.”
The film highlights iconic campus landmarks such as Strong Hall, Fraser Hall, Dyche Hall, and the Campanile, while also showcasing academic instruction, athletics, student organizations, and social life in the 1940s. From classrooms to football games, the film paints an idealized picture of KU as a place of learning, growth, and community spirit.
This vintage film stands as a time capsule for alumni and historians alike, preserving how the university presented itself to the world during a formative period in American higher education. It is also a valuable cultural artifact that reflects broader trends in mid-century American university marketing, optimism, and civic pride.
📽️ Watch the full film Below:
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