Topeka, Kan. -Washburn University will celebrate Homecoming Oct. 23 – 28 with a program of Washburn traditions for students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community. The Washburn Homecoming events showcase the Ichabod spirit and this year’s theme is “Boots, Bling & Bods.”
“Homecoming is such a special part of the Washburn experience and I really love helping bring it to life for our community,” said Liz Duvall, senior and Homecoming fellow for Washburn University. “The Homecoming committee and I are excited to introduce a few new things this year – spirit week with a different theme for each day and an enhanced tailgate will replace the parade.”
This year Homecoming will also include the inauguration of Washburn University’s 15th president, Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, 3 p.m. Oct. 27 in Lee Arena.
Schedule of Homecoming Events
Tuesday, Oct. 24
- Rising Stars Variety Show- 6 - 8 p.m.
- Washburn Rooms A and B, Memorial Union
Formerly known as "Open Mic Night," Washburn students will show their talent, whether that be singing, dancing or a comedy skit, etc. We will announce the Ichabods of Honor nominees during the Variety Show.
Wednesday, Oct. 25
- Scorch on the Porch - Presidential Edition- 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Memorial Union
Scorch on the Porch with President Mazachek in honor of her inauguration Oct. 27. The Washburn Alumni Association and Foundation will provide free food, music and games for the Washburn community. The Ichabod Shop will be having a t-shirt sale and Washburn Student Government Association (WSGA) will provide giveaways.
Homecoming Dance hosted by the Campus Activity Board
7 - 9 p.m., Washburn Rooms A and B, Memorial Union
Students can dance the night way at the Saddle Saloon. We'll have dancing, food, a photo booth, casino activities and more.
Thursday, Oct. 26
- Yell Like Hell- 7 p.m.
- Lee Arena
Students, faculty and staff can get pumped up for Homecoming tailgating and the football game! Athletic teams, sorority and fraternity groups and other student organizations will show us their moves in the name of school spirit.
Friday, Oct. 27
- Inauguration Ceremony- 3 p.m.
- Lee Arena
- Inauguration Public Reception
- 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
- Lee Arena
This year’s Homecoming includes a very special event, the inauguration festivities celebrating Washburn University’s new president, Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, who became the first woman to lead this historic institution Feb. 1, 2023. Special activities are scheduled for students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters throughout Washburn Homecoming week. The public is also invited to attend the Inauguration ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 in Lee Arena on the Washburn campus. Join Washburn as they celebrate their history, staying true to their mission of serving all students and growing in partnership with their community to build a bold future. Together we thrive!
Saturday, Oct. 28
- Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Washburn Alumni Association and Foundation- 8 - 10 a.m.
- Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center
Free for children 5 and under, $5 for adults. For more information and tickets, visit https://wualumni.org/homecoming
- Homecoming Football Game Tailgating
- 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Memorial Union Lawn and around Yager Stadium
Tailgating will be supercharged for Homecoming 2023 with performances from student organizations, participation from community groups and Dr. Mazachek will speak.
- Homecoming Football Game
- 1 p.m.
- Yager Stadium
Washburn University will take on Northwest Missouri State University for their Homecoming game. Ichabods of Honor winners will be announced during halftime.
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For further information, contact:Joy Bailes
Assistant Director of Public Relations
Telephone: (785) 670-2153
Cell: (785) 230-1648
Email: joy.bailes@washburn.edu
