After a long week of exciting activities and events, Homecoming 2015 drew to a close Sunday, Oct. 25. This year’s special celebration was dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Washburn University. 

Student involvement was at an all time high with a wide variety of student organizations competing in a variety of events, like WU Chef and Top Hat. These events, among others,  helped promote school spirit across the campus. 

Several homecoming events allowed students to interact and bond with their fellow Ichabods. Some of the ultimate highlights of the week were the Homecoming Dance Oct. 19, the Ichabod Race Oct. 20, Open Mic Night Oct. 21 and Yell Like Hell Oct. 22. 

Students tore up the dance floor and enjoyed a free photo booth and a delicious buffet at the dance on Monday night. The Ichabod race allowed student organizations to compete in a friendly atmosphere while solving riddles and completing challenges around campus. 

Students were able to showcase their talents during Open Mic Night in Mabee Library on Wednesday. The pep rally known as Yell Like Hell on Thursday evening gave students the chance to display their spirit as they cheered for performances by their peers. 

School spirit spilled out into the Topeka community thanks to Washburn alumni members. A large percentage of alumni joined in to celebrate the anniversary by attending the Bow Tie Bash, the Grand Tailgate and the football game on Saturday afternoon. 

Although the Ichabods suffered a loss of 38-27  during the game, the fans were still able to watch stunning perfomances by the Marching Blues and hear the announcement of homecoming royalty. 

The 2015 Homecoming King was Parker Gallion, senior nursing major,  who was nominated by Alpha Delta. Catherine Steuart, junior elemnetary education major, was nominated by Kappa Sigma and was this year’s Washburn Homecoming Queen. 

The extensive alumni participation in these events inspired current students to continue their love and pride for being a Washburn Ichabod even after they graduate. 

Although the planning associated with Homecoming week created a great deal of stress for many student organizations, the rewards outweighed the chaos. 

Students took pride in all their hard work with several of them collecting plaques and other prizes in the competition for finishing in first, second or third place.

Overall, we believe that Homecoming 2015 was a memorable experience for students, faculty, staff, alumni and other community members. We’re looking forward to particiapting in next year’s homecoming festivities.