Washburn University welcomed students and their families to campus on Friday, Oct. 10, for Ichabod Day, an event that introduced future Ichabods to academic programs, campus facilities and student life. The day featured faculty meet and greets, housing sessions, financial aid sessions and campus tours across multiple departments, along with a $1,500 scholarship awarded to two attending students.

Hannah Kirby, assistant director of campus visit experience, said Ichabod Day is organized well in advance to reach students across the region.

“We promote all of these events to high school students in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska,” Kirby said. “Events like these take weeks of planning and coordination.”

According to Kirby, the program involves contributions from several areas of the university.

“It’s really a campus-wide effort, not just the Admissions Office,” Kirby said. “Faculty, advisors, financial aid, the Rec Center and the Law School all help.”

She added that the event includes interactive elements designed to engage participants.

“We try to include fun, interactive parts of the day so students aren’t just sitting through presentations,” Kirby said. “The fun part this year, we did human bingo and also every event we played Kahoot as well.”

Student ambassadors guided tours and shared their perspectives with visiting families. Johan Campbell, junior nursing student, said participating in Ichabod Day allowed him to connect with future students.

“I’m so passionate about Washburn, and I love getting to share that with others,” Campbell said. “We build a really strong community here and I like seeing people appreciate that with me.”

Ellie Fincham, sophomore, anthropology and philosophy major, said being part of Ichabod Day brought back memories of her own first visit to campus.

“When I first came here as a high school student, I remember how excited I was to meet everyone,” Campbell said. “Now, I get to give that same experience back to other students.”

Fincham offered advice to those preparing to begin college.

“The best thing about Washburn is that your professors will always know your name. It’s big enough to meet new people but small enough that you won’t get lost in a crowd.” Fincham said.  

“My advice for new students is to join an organization or club. Get out there and meet new people,” Campbell said. 

Kimm Kirk, a high school senior from Cameron, Missouri, attended Ichabod Day to explore potential college options.

“I’ve been really looking into the school, and I wanted to come here to figure out what life is like,” Kirk said. “Washburn is actually my first choice, but I do have a few fallback schools just in case.”

Kirk said she appreciated the welcoming environment on campus.

“We’ve been told the staff are really nice, but they seriously are,” Kirk said. “They’re so helpful and informative.”

Kirby said the goal of Ichabod Day is to help visiting students see what sets Washburn apart.

“Washburn really cares about its students individually,” Kirby said. “We want visitors to feel that when they step on campus, that this is a place where they can belong and succeed.”

The event concluded with campus tours led by student ambassadors. The day offered visitors a firsthand look at Washburn’s collaborative community and the opportunities that await future Ichabods.

Edited by Anushma Dahal and Stuti Khadka