On Aug. 27, the Memorial Union hosted Washburn’s Union Daze event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Union Days takes place in the second week of every semester, offering different events that promote union services while attracting students with free items. This event not only introduces students to valuable campus resources but also creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages connection and involvement.

“Our hope is that individuals will come into the Union and see all the services that we have to offer. We give free stuff just to drive some traffic to the union and have a good time. Last Monday was National banana split day, Tuesday was National hot dog day, Wednesday was market day”, said Becky Botle, director of Memorial Union. 

By tying each day to a unique theme, the Union blends fun activities with practical outreach, helping students connect with campus life.

“The union reached out to me because they know that fraternity and sorority life could be a pivotal point for students in their college career and getting students interested in information to them during these early stages of being here on the university’s campus can be crucial to their information and kind of what they want to get involved in by providing them information through flyers,” said Charles Dilliehunt, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life.

Early exposure to fraternity and sorority life helps students find communities, join events and feel at home on campus.

“We encourage students to get involved in different campus activities—not just fraternities or sororities—because it makes college more fun, helps them feel connected, and keeps them motivated to stay.,” said Elvia Nino-Elliott, junior sociology and marketing major. 

Janel Rutherford, director of business and auxiliary services, talked about the event.

“This is an event for students to get used to things in the union and just to have fun with the students coming to campus or maybe something you haven’t tried before. So it’s just a great interactive event to work with students. So students were interested in bringing something else. It’s part of the event” Rutherford said. 

Union Daze brought students together, offering activities, information and opportunities to give students the opportunity to connect and get involved on campus.

Edited by Anushma Dahal and Jeremy Ford