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volume 138, Issue 1 • wednesday, August 24, 2011
WU Fest caps successful Welcome Week
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Rob Burkett
WASHBURN REVIEW
When one thinks of the beginning of college, two things come to mind; moving and independence. Washburn Welcome Week’s first day was that and much more last Thursday. The day started out part pep rally and part birthday party as Washburn President Jerry Farley introduced a couple of items, one quite new and the other quite old. The old came in the form of the celebration of Ichabod Washburn’s 213th birthday as the university’s namesake was honored with cupcakes handed out by the president. The new came in the form of the new logo that was unveiled as part of the celebration of the arrival of the sesquicentennial class on campus. Like a well-oiled NASCAR pit crew, move crew members approached vehicles quickly as they approached the unloading point. Among the helpers was Farley who expressed his feelings about move-in day. “This and graduation are the two most fun times on campus,” said Farley. “This is just really fun because people are coming back, renewing friendships. New students coming in, their parents with them; a lot of tears but there’s a lot of excitement and a lot of energy.” As new students began the unloading process, the task of unpacking was next on the agenda. Freshmen experienced a range of emotions as they settled in for the beginning of the year. “It’s definitely overwhelming,” said Megan Griffin, freshman. “I guess I kind of expected it to be this busy but once it came it was a little scary.” With other students, a family connection made the transition easier as children of Washburn employees were among the new students. Sierra Valdivia, incoming freshman and daughter of Angela Valdivia, office assistant in the Student and Greek Life office commented on her first thoughts of move in day. “It’s a really friendly environment,” said Valdivia. “Just trying to unload the
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This is just really fun because people are coming back, renewing friendships. - Jerry Farley President, Washburn University
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van a load at a time, I thought I’d have to make a few trips but everyone just came and grabbed it for me.” After the initial rush of move in, students were able to unpack, relax and explore their new home as they participated in a variety of activities that took place over the weekend. Among them were Playfair and Rock the Rec which took place at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. “These events have been going on for several years,” said Joel Bluml, director of the SRWC. “Last year we did this [Playfair] Friday evening on the [Memorial Union] lawn but this year we moved back inside which worked out great with all the heat we’ve been getting this year.” Over the following weekend Washburn students had chances to enjoy some of the annual highlights of welcome week such as Casino Night, convocation and WU Fest, a carnival type event that took place Monday night on the lawn. WU Fest seemed to be well received by students. “Our attendance is a lot better than last year it seems like,” said Taylor McGown, president of Washburn Student Government Association. With the conclusion of the week, Farley summed up his feelings on the move-in process and all that goes on with welcome week. “It’s one of the best times of these young peoples’ lives as they will start on this new endeavor,” said Farley. Rob Burkett is a senior mass media major. Reach him at robert.burkett@ washburn.edu
Photos by Kelly Andrews, Washburn Review
WU Fest: Washburn students flocked to the quad Aug. 22 for the annual WU Fest, a festival celebrating the arrival of both the new freshman and the returning students. Students could enjoy activities of many sorts, including inflatable obstacle courses, athletic events, a live band and limbo.
Arts & Entertainment Expectations set high Brian Dulle
WASHBURN REVIEW
Getting involved, supporting other students and colleagues and getting educated is all part of the college experience according to Mark Norman, who is about to go into his third year as the director of bands at Washburn University. Norman’s primary job is to oversee all of the different bands at Washburn. The main purpose of the marching band and the pep band is to support the athletic department. “These two groups are there to support the teams, to provide great entertainment to the crowd and to help rally forces, a lot of cheerleading in other words,” said Norman. Marching band begins its slate of performances in the fall and is open to anybody at the university. Pep band on the other hand, is smaller and a person has to audition to be in the group along with the 30 other people who will fill out the roster. The pep band
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Photo by Josh Rouse, Washburn Review
Beat it: The drumline lays down a beat as the Washburn University Marching Blues practice their halftime show during band camp. The camp went from Aug. 16-20. plays at all of the basketball games, in between the games as well, which equals out to 30 to 40 performances a year.
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Josh Rouse
Photo by Josh Rouse, Washburn Review
Sports Au revoir, Pierre...
WASHBURN REVIEW
Head football coach Craig Schurig announced at Media Day that the team has lost another player this offseason—junior defensive back Pierre Desir. Desir, who earned all-conference and All-American honors during his two years as starting cornerback for Washburn, accumulated 12 interceptions during his career and was a key defensive returner for the Ichabods. “He’s not here, he did not report,” said Schurig. “We kind of held hope that maybe he would but he decided to stay home in St. Louis due to family obligations so he’s not on our team. He’s left the team.” With this loss, senior Patrick Jean will fill in the starting role at right cornerback, with juniors Terry Grimmett and Devon Connors expected to play in the rotation, as well as senior Steven Dudley. Despite the loss, Schurig said the defense should have a good season. “Our defense returns a lot of guys from last year,” said Schurig. “We get Casey Curran back at free safety and
Photo courtesy of Gene Cassell, Washburn SID
Bye, bye, bye: Junior defensive back Pierre Desir, 12, is the latest Washburn Ichabods starter to leave the team. He missed camp because of family obligations in St. Louis, while starting running back Vershon Moore was incarcerated. Jahmil Taylor at inside linebacker, Marty Pfannenstiel at a safety position, Dakota Johnson at a defensive end, Cameron Jackson at defensive end, Ian Williams at D-tackle, we really have some very good players, as
good anybody we’ll see, and should be all-conference type guys. We’re looking forward to a good year on defense.” The news comes especially hard for the Bods following the recent loss
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