On Oct. 25 in the main level of Memorial Union, fellow Ichabod students and staff kicked up their heels and had a blast at Scorch on the Porch, presidential edition. There was a sense of community and celebration as people prepared for the inauguration of Washburn President, JuliAnn Mazachek. Scorch on the Porch has been a tradition each year to help kick off the homecoming festivities.
Liz Duvall, a senior communication major, is someone who works behind the scenes of planning and preparing for events such as these. This is her second year as homecoming student chair, working alongside Becky Bolte, director of scheduling, to plan this event.
Duvall is excited for everyone to indulge in the excitement Scorch on the Porch brings.
“It’s a chance for students to get giveaways, to get the free food, and know what the festivities are about for the rest of the week,” Duvall said. “We are technically doing a presidential edition this year, because our inauguration ceremony for Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek is happening and so everything is bigger and better,” Duvall said.
During Scorch on the Porch, students and faculty had the opportunity to talk with President Mazachek. Mazachek, whose inauguration ceremony was Friday, Oct. 27, was excited to be a part of this event.
“I enjoy seeing everyone come together. Students, faculty, staff and over food is a good reason,” Mazachek said. “I love root beer floats. So that was a special signature.”
“Seeing Dr. Mazachek out and about was nice, because usually you don’t see deans of universities just out and about,” said Robert Smith, a freshman criminal justice major.
The Ichabod community was able to enjoy many other features of this event including a photo booth to capture the moment, opportunities to win prizes, sale merch, free food, music and activities. This was also a chance to check out the creative top hat decorating contest. Some students were compelled to attend when they heard there was free food. DeMarcus Heinz, a freshman engineering major, can attest to this.
It’s safe to say this event was a great way to keep the homecoming festivities rolling for the fellow Ichabod community.
Edited by Jayme Thompson and Jeremy Ford
