What do the Universities of Kansas, Kentucky, and Kansas State all have in common? These three schools are part of the Women of University Calendars, the “longest-running, most recognized collegiate swimsuit calendar in the United States,” according to their website. Senior, Adriana Gaitan, a spanish major, is one of the models for the Women of KU Swimsuit Calendar. Gaitan found out about the Women of KU Swimsuit Calendar after her friends were in previous editions. She has worked in the past with the owner and photographer, Dave Gillispie, and was interested in working with him again.
Aspiring swimsuit models must be fit and have a healthy lifestyle, but according to Gaitan the most important part is to be energetic and outgoing. The calendar must find sponsors from businesses such as Budweiser, MillerCoors Brewing, and Fitness Magazine before the calendar is released.
“After the calendar comes out we have appearances where we sign calendars and talk to lots of people,” Gaitan said. “You also have to feel comfortable in front of the camera.”
Gaitan has been modeling for two years now and recently did a photoshoot for Tech N9ne’s merchandise. She’s looking forward to working with Tech N9ne more later this year, as well as working with Dave Gillispie.While modeling may sound fun, dealing with the weather can be a difficult task with photo shoots.
“The wind messes up my hair a lot and it’s always either too cold or too hot outside. One of the first photo shoots I did was in a lake in the middle of November in Kansas,” Gaitan said. “It was definitely one of my hardest shoots, but it was worth it.”
For most students, balancing school and work can be a headache, but Gaitan stays positive and enjoys every moment of it. With her time at KU she hopes to finish her Spanish degree in four years, make more friends, and go to as many Kansas football and basketball games as possible. After graduation Gaitan is considering on staying in Kansas City to pursue modeling, or move to San Francisco where her father lives.