The first event of the Union Daze was Wednesday, Aug. 21 which was the Market Daze Vendor Fair which is a showcase of local Topeka vendors providing samples and giveaways. 

“There were many volunteer opportunities to get involved in our community and lots of free food and trinkets,” said Ziraili Sanchez, freshman biochemistry major.

The second event was held Monday, Aug. 26, and they handed out free popsicles. The third event occurred Tuesday, Aug. 27, and they had free Pepsi tastings. The final Union Daze event was a pep rally and it took place Thursday, Aug. 29.

“Union Daze is a signature two-week celebration of Memorial Union services. We celebrate these activities to bring students, faculty and staff together in the union. Studies show in the first two weeks of classes, campus communities set their traffic patterns and we definitely want all to visit the union daily,” said Becky Bolte, director of Memorial Union.

 The pep rally was an event to cheer on Washburn’s football team for their first game at Emporia State University. At this event there were cheerleaders performing some routines, handing out stickers and encouraging everyone to eat. The first 100 people to show up received a hot dog and a drink sponsored by Pepsi. There was also a swag table sponsored by the Ichabod Shop handing out WU pins, sunglasses and bags. It encouraged students to get excited about the football season.

This event provided activities for new and current students to enjoy.

“Our favorite part is bringing the campus community together to have fun and celebrate new connections,” Bolte said. 

Later on in the day, there was a Tailgate Watch Party from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with free pizza, Pepsi products, and a raffle to win free tickets for friends and family for the first home football game on Sept. 14 versus Colorado School of Mines at 1 p.m.

Edited by Stuti Khadka and Morgan Albrecht