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Merle Findeis, Topeka High student, poses with a dog from Prairieland Visiting Animals Association (PVAA). Many students surrounded this booth to pet the dogs.
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Students gather to play volleyball with Kappa Sigma members. Out of 85+ campus groups present, there were 8 groups representing Fraternity and Sorority Life.
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The PVAA hosted multiple dogs for students to sit down and play with. The PVAA joined WU Fest as one of many non-profit groups to interact with the Washburn community.
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Students play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe using basketballs from the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC). This was a challenge for many students to attempt.
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Taylor Redington, WSGA Campus and Community Affairs Director, spins cotton candy for students. Students carried cotton candy as they spoke to campus organizations’ representatives.
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Seth Motes, junior public administration major, pours syrup into snow cones. With the high temperatures, there were many students in line to get snow cones.
On Aug. 26, over 600 students gathered on the Memorial Union lawn to celebrate the beginning of the new semester.
With both new and returning students swarming the field, WU Fest was a stunning success. The event was organized by Washburn Student Government Association (WSGA) Special Events Director Lillian Clark, who was happy with the turnout the festival had amassed.
“I think this year, we did things a little bit different…We had the pickleball paddles, the T-shirts, and premiered a new logo for WU Fest that we haven’t seen before,” Clark said.
Clark wasn’t the only one who felt good about WU Fest, as many students attended for their final year or their first year, it was an experience they didn’t want to forget.
“It’s really fun and engaging…I’ve met tons of new people,” said Kiran Ghale, freshman business major.
However, the event was also disorienting for students like Ghale, as she also found herself lost in the crowds. With how large the crowd was, it was almost impossible for these newer students to not get lost.
Even though some became lost, many students found many fun activities while talking to the 85 different organizations present. From bouncy house battles to cuddling puppies, there was no end to the fun at WU Fest. Students could enjoy a slice of pizza from Toppers, fresh snow cones and hand spun cotton candy all courtesy of WSGA.
Brennen Ross, chairperson of the special events committee, participated by volunteering to hand out pizza slices to the masses.
“I think the community aspect, just seeing that from afar was the best part. Watching these groups of people all show up…on a random Tuesday at the beginning of the school year, and just have a fun time. I think that was a blast to watch. I’ve always been in awe since the first WU Fest I went to last year,” Ross said.
While the event was a success, Clark wanted everyone to be aware of the hard work that went into the event. With support from donors and the Washburn community, WU Fest is always an event to look forward to.
“I would just say in general, thanks to all the people that showed up…it would not be as great of an event as it is, and it wouldn’t be as unique as it is without all of those organizations showing up and being willing to engage with students,” Clark said. “That’s what really makes it special, and that’s what makes it really the biggest event of its kind for the whole school year.”
WU Fest is a chance for the community to gather and show the opportunities offered at Washburn.
Edited by Anushma Dahal and Stuti Khadka
