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Washburn’s ROTC members march down the street carrying the national and university flags, beginning the Homecoming Parade. Washburn cheerleaders raised their pom-poms high in union while marching behind the ROTC unit.
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Participants of International House carry flags representing different countries as they walk during the parade. The group showcased their cultural pride as part of the Homecoming celebrations.
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Participants dressed in medieval and fantasy costumes gather before the start of a parade. They took part in the event representing a themed group as a representation of Washburn Dungeons and Dragons club.
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Mounted officers line up on horseback before the start of a parade, holding flags and wearing matching uniforms. They later rode together along the parade route.
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Members of the Hayden Catholic High School band pose before the start of the parade. The group participated in the Homecoming parade with music.
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Members of Washburn Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Phi Omega ride a themed float featuring colorful decorations during the parade.The float highlighted the organization’s creativity and spirit as it moved along the parade route.
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Members of the Washburn University baseball team walk and ride during the parade. The team participated in the Homecoming celebration as part of the school’s festivities.
The Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation organized the Homecoming parade on Oct. 25, beginning at 20th Street and making its way along 19th Street, Plass Avenue and Jewell Avenue, before returning to 20th Street at 10 a.m.
The lively parade featured more than 75 exciting entries, from the Washburn University Band, Hayden Catholic High School, International Club, floats to enthusiastic alumni and the ever-beloved Ichabod mascot. As the procession made its way through campus, it showcased Washburn’s rich history and the close-knit spirit that makes the community special. Students, faculty, alumni and local residents lined the streets in the joy of celebrating their Ichabod pride together.
For Susie Hoffman, Senior Director of Alumni Association, it was her second year of organizing the parade.
“It’s a lot of contact with not only our Washburn student organizations, but also with members of the community,” said Hoffman. “So, it’s reaching out to businesses and the community, nonprofit organizations, local politicians, maybe people that are on city council and other government officials to see if they want to participate in the parade. So it’s a contact with a lot of people up front.”
The Homecoming parade showed just how Washburn is connected to the Topeka community. The purpose wasn’t only about the floats or music but about people coming together, students waving to families, local groups proudly walking beside alumni and neighbors lining the streets to cheer them on.
“We get super excited about dressing up, passing out candy and just showing off,” said Catherine Tew, president of Washburn Dungeons and Dragons Club. “What Washburn Dungeons and Dragons Club’s about is that. It’s not just sitting around a table yelling at some dice but it’s a community thing and we enjoy being a part of something bigger.”
The students taking part in the parade were enthusiastic about what they represented and eager to engage with the community.
“In the fall, with Homecoming, you get to look forward to the parade at the end of the week and know that everybody’s gonna come together. You’re gonna get to see all the creations of the floats and it’s fun to see some of my students who get to walk in a parade. That’s really cool. And then my kids love it,” said Tori O’Brien, lecturer at the School of Nursing.
The parade wasn’t just the highlight of Homecoming Week. It was a heartfelt reminder of how Washburn’s pride, traditions and community spirit bring everyone together and make the campus feel like home.
Edited by Anushma Dahal and Anson Appelhanz
