The Washburn Student Government Association broke a deal agreed upon by Washburn University, the city of Topeka and the Kansas Department of Transportation to construct crosswalks with beacons on the west side of campus.
Former President of Delta Gamma Rhen Calhoon had this to say on the change: “Our top priority and main concern is safety. The fraternity and sorority students that live ‘off campus’ must cross MacVicar Avenue to access university buildings and must diligently check their surroundings before crossing, because cars often reach excessive speeds on that road and drivers seldom yield to them. Such waiting has led to some of our members being late for class, even though they left with enough time to get there. So, a crosswalk would not only provide safety, but it would also contribute to the academic success of Washburn students.”
The deal brokered by WSGA and its partners called for changes to MacVicar Avenue between 17th and 21st street to enhance student safety and accessibility. 80% of the cost, approximately $640,000, is being funded through a grant with KDOT. The remaining 20% is being split up by the city of Topeka and Washburn University. The planned changes are as follows:
- The addition of a crosswalk with beacons on 19th Street.
- The addition of beacons to the crosswalk connecting the Alumni Association and Foundation to campus.
- The addition of a sidewalk on the west side of MacVicar Avenue.
- Eight total decorative lampposts, two on either side of both crosswalks mentioned in points one and two.
“Students will now have a safe route on and off campus from this side of our university,” former WSGA President George Burdick said. “It will help not only those students in fraternity and sorority housing on the west side of campus but also the current occupants of the Alumni Association building.”
Special events director Lillian Clark also assisted with working with fraternity and sorority organizations on the project.
“Students from the Greek organizations on the west side of campus were instrumental in raising concerns about the lack of a safe and efficient crossing option from their side of the street to campus. The organizations themselves have recognized and corroborated the need for a safe crossing option, and based on communications with them, I am confident that these additions to MacVicar Avenue will significantly address their concerns,” Clark said.
WSGA appreciates the work of its campus partners in reaching this deal, including Delta Gamma Sorority, Alpha Delta Fraternity, and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Further appreciation is given to the assistance provided by members of the Washburn University police department and the Washburn University facilities services.
Special thanks to professor Bill Fiander of the political science department, whose expertise and assistance were imperative to the success of this effort. Fiander provided connections and knowledge to further the cause of the students in this area, recommending the KDOT grant and assisting in gathering information. The project, slated to begin in 2026, would not have been completed without his support.
Individuals with further questions should reach out to former WSGA President Burdick or current WSGA President Kate Coulter at [email protected].
Edited by Jeremy Ford.
