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Shaylee Giles(right), junior forensic biology major, Lillian Clark(middle), junior public administration major and Caitlyn Crim(left), freshman forensic investigation sciences major, hand out ‘No place like WU’ tote bags during the event. They distributed tote bags and shared event free materials with attendees.
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Students serve themselves meals from a buffet table during the Homecoming event on campus. The meal was held on the East Union lawn on a sunny morning.
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Attendees sit and enjoy meals together under the shade of trees. The event was organized to give students and alumni a chance to relax and connect together.
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Attendees enjoy a meal at outdoor tables during the Homecoming Scorch on the Porch event.The event took place on the campus lawn and included food, games and social activities.
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Mr. Ichabod plays volleyball with students during the event. The friendly match was one of several recreational activities organized to engage attendees during the celebration.
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Lauryn Grospitch, senior psychology major, manages a merchandise table during the Homecoming Scorch on the Porch event outside the Memorial Union. The table featured university-branded items available for students to purchase.
The Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation hosted “Scorch on the Porch” on Wednesday, Oct. 22 on east Union lawn and Stauffer Commons from 11a.m-1p.m.
The event brought the taste of Kansas to life with a variety of classic local foods such as mac and cheese pasta, pork, fruits and a cozy lawn seating area for attendees to relax. Visitors enjoyed outdoor games at their own pace, whether they stayed for the full event or just stopped by for a quick bite.
People of all ages participated in the lively atmosphere appreciating local treats while taking part in the games that fostered a sense of community.
“This year is special because I really like the theme of no place like WU. I think that encompasses how we are as a community here at Washburn, how close we are and how much like home this campus feels like,” said Shaylee Giles, senator of Washburn Student Government Association (WSGA). “The overall theme for Homecoming is no place like WU which is loosely based on the Wizard of Oz.”
“No place like Washburn University” theme perfectly captures the warmth, unity and homey atmosphere that defines Washburn. Students, faculty and staff come together to create a community where everyone feels connected.
“Scorch on the Porch is our second official event of the week and we’re really just hope students can come out, faculty and staff can come out and share a meal all together on the lawn, play some games, take some homecoming freebies and just really get in the spirit of homecoming week,” said Lillian Clark, Special Events Coordinator of WSGA.
Events like this strengthens connections among students and adds to the sense of home across campus.
“To be honest, I don’t really do a lot of Homecoming stuff so I’m just coming to events if they fit in my schedule because I’ve been studying a lot, I’ve been thinking about Homecoming,” said Josie Riddle, junior graphic design major. “It’s free food, also hanging out with friends.”
The event highlighted the warmth and togetherness that define Washburn showing how small gestures and thoughtful planning can create big moments for the campus community. The event was a reminder of the strong bonds and homey spirit that make WU special.
Edited by Arohi Rai and Anushma Dahal
