Washburn Family Weekend

     Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University will host the annual Family Weekend Sept. 26 -27. Family Weekend is a time-honored tradition for the Washburn University community. Classes have been in session for more than a month and it's a good occasion to officially invite students’ families and loved ones back to campus for a visit. Faculty, staff and their families often join in on the fun as well.

     The public is welcome to attend these events, and tickets are required for the football game.

     “One of the special things about Washburn is our community,” said Dr. Teresa Clounch, acting vice president for student life, Washburn University. “Family Weekend is a great opportunity for us to pause to visit with our families and friends, enjoy activities on the Union lawn and tailgate before the football game. Some of those true college experiences.”    

Friday, Sept. 26

Comedian Preacher Lawson

7 p.m., (Doors open at 6 p.m.) Washburn Rooms A and B, Memorial Union

     Lawson is best known for his appearance on season 12 of NBC’s hit series, “America’s Got Talent,” (AGT) (2017) where he made it to the final round. Based off his stellar performance in season 12, Lawson was invited to compete on “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” (2019) and “Britian’s Got Talent: The Champions” (2019) where he advanced to the finale after receiving the most fan votes. Lawson shot his first stand-up special, “Get to Know Me,” which premiered on BET+ in 2019. On Television, Lawson can be seen on HBO’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” as well as NBC’s “Connecting,” as a series regular. He also hosted the Facebook Watch series “World’s Most Amazing Dogs” (2019) with George Lopez and Lisa Vanderpump. Most recently, he can be seen on “The Tonight Show” talking about his fame recognition and MMA fight.

     Lawson has built a massive following on TikTok of 3.2 million followers. His YouTube channel has amassed more than 600,000 subscribers and features clips of stand-up, MMA training and even Vegan cooking tips. He recently completed his residency hosting AGT Live in Las Vegas and continues to perform at sold-out venues around the country.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Activities for the family, including live music and games

Beginning at 9 a.m., East Memorial Union Lawn

If it rains, these activities (except for inflatables) will be moved into Washburn Rooms A and B in the Memorial Union.

Visit washburn.edu/family-weekend for more information.

Tailgating

Beginning at 11 a.m., East Memorial Union Lawn and around Yager Stadium

Football vs. Nebraska at Kearney

1 p.m., Yager Stadium

Check out wusports.com for event details.

High School Band Day

Family Day is also High School Band Day! High school band enthusiasts from Baldwin High School, Bennington Jr./Sr. High School, Royal Valley High School, Shawnee Heights High School, St. Marys Jr./Sr. High School, Santa Fe Trail High School, Chanute High School, Minneapolis High School, Leavenworth High School and Topeka High School will join the Washburn University Marching Ichabods for performances before and during the football games.

Mulvane Art Museum Activities

Washburn University’s Mulvane Art Museum is joining the celebration with gallery activities and artmaking!

• At 1:00 p.m. they'll have fun, creative activities in the Mulvane Art Lab, courtyard and front lawn, including face painting, collage and drawing. Join educator Yale Taylor's special loom weaving activity inspired by the exhibition "DoPiKa: Reinstate," and then cool down with a sweet treat from Pineapple Dream.
• At 1:30 p.m. join writer and storyteller Annette Billings in the exhibition "Around the Way Folk," where she'll share poetry.
• At 2:30 p.m. Annette Billings will present a family-centered story time in the Art Lab. 

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