Perspectives on Aging

In our society it seems that the perspective of aging is one-dimensional. We view the inevitable aging process as a slow decline into despair and a loss of independence, yet our perspective only captures a small piece of the truth. Washburn University’s Mulvane Art Museum is presently running an exhibit that offers us the unique opportunity to see the other side of the aging process. In their exhibit Perspectives on Aging, artists Elizabeth Layton and Ed Navone show us that old age, like many other stages of life, offers moments of joy, sadness, desire and pain. 

Layton’s art features self-portraits that capture the wrinkles and sagging skin that come with aging, as well as portraits that show the splendor of long-term companionship with her husband. Her portraits focus on the silly, sweet and sometimes petrifying moments that come with the golden years.

Artwork by: Elizabeth Layton

Navone’s artwork, however, tackles a much darker and terrifying side of aging as he chronicles his father’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Navone captures the challenges his father faced during his battle with dementia in heartbreaking and beautiful sketches.

Artwork by: Ed Navone

While it may appear the artwork in Perspectives on Aging contradict each other, they offer a thought-provoking perspective on a complicated process. The exhibit is on display until Oct. 24. More information can be found on the Mulvane Art Museum's Website.

Washburn under construction [EDIT]

Students can observe while walking around Washburn’s campus that there are many different construction projects underway. The two most obvious sites are Morgan Hall and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations building. Morgan Hall which is almost completed, already looks beautiful. The KBI building is also near completion. Another minor site is near Henderson Learning Center and the KSNT building. 
When walking toward Henderson from the southwest parking lot there is a new parking lot going in. Most commuting students would agree that Washburn could use more parking, especially at the beginning of each semester when attendance is at the highest. The construction on this lot is very loud everyday and has an odor similar to that of an animal farm. Despite the negative side effects of it, Washburn has accomplished a lot in the past couple years with the construction. Students may wonder, what Washburn will do to continue to update and expand campus?  

Washburn under construction

Walking around Washburn’s campus there are many different construction sites. Construction at Morgan Hall, which by the way looks beautiful and it’s almost finished. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation building will add more value to the campus. When walking toward Henderson from the parking lot from the southwest there is a new parking lot going in. Washburn could use more parking especially at the beginning of each semester. It’s very loud every day and it smells like a you're on a farm. Washburn has accomplished a lot in the past couple years with the construction. What will Washburn do next to improve this wonderful campus that offers so much? 

Mysterious religious group discomforts students [edit]

Groups of people carrying Bibles have been stopping and asking students to participate in Bible study sessions throughout the day outside Henderson and the Union.

The group locates its study areas at prime targets during various parts of the day. In the morning, members are outside the entrance of Mabee Library. In the early afternoon, they are at each exit around Henderson. In the evening, they are outside of the Union’s main doors and on the stairs across from the Mulvane Art Museum. Nobody seems to know who the group is.

Many people around campus are avoiding the religious group and are arriving to their desired location without interacting with them. Of the students who are stopped, some are uncomfortable with having God thrust upon their way of thinking, while other students don’t know how to say they did not have time for a Bible study and instead sit there. Both Christian and anti-religious students are upset by this tactic.

However, some people appreciate the group’s outreach, but the issue is that it can make people feel awkward being pressured into unwanted beliefs or discipleship techniques.

It is possible this group will be around campus for more days outside of Mabee Library, Henderson and the steps of the Union asking people if they would like to have a Bible study session. It will be interesting to see if students on campus embrace the group or continue to walk past them.

Mysterious Religious Group Making Others Feel Awkward

Recently on campus, there has been a group of people with Bibles asking students who pass by if they would like a Bible study session. Most of the time, the group seems to have someone there with them throughout the day around Henderson and the Union.

The group locates its study areas at prime targets during certain parts of the day. In the early afternoon, they are at each exit around Henderson, and in the evening they are outside of the Union, sitting around the stairs across from the Mulvane Art Museum and also just outside of the main doors. No one seems to know who the group is.

There seems to be many people around campus who are avoiding the group and going out of their way to get to their desired location without interacting with the group. One time as I passed them, I chose not to stop and interact with them and the second time I avoided them altogether. There are many people who do not handle God being thrusted upon their way of thinking very well.

Along with those feeling insecure, what about the mass of people who are too insecure to say they did not have time for a Bible study and instead sat there awkwardly? There are Christians who do not like this tactic just as an anti-religious person would, meaning it is not one sided. There are many folks who appreciate this group doing this, but the issue is that it makes some people feel insecure.

One thing is for certain though, this group may be around campus for many more days outside of Henderson and on the steps of the Union, asking people if they would like to have a Bible study session. Going forward, it will be interesting to see if students on campus embrace the group, or continue to walk away from them with their heads down.

Olivia Marshall: Better late than never?

Greetings fellow classmates:

I am Olivia Marshall, a senior majoring in mass media, emphasis in public relations  and minoring in poverty studies. I've spent the past three years at Washburn and anticipate on having an exciting final semester before I graduate this December. A few of my favorite pastimes include biking, roller derby and dance music.

I've always loved biking, but this summer I have taken this hobby to the next level. On July 5th, I rode the Lizard Under the Skillet in Lawrence; it's a sizzling 66-mile ride. My new biking buddies inspired me to train and sign up for my first bike race on August 16th. I managed to finish it! It was a 15 mile criterion race that took about half an hour. That was a big milestone for me. My next goal is to complete a century ride (100 miles).

Last month, I traveled to Las Vegas for a week at RollerCon, a convention with roller derby players from around the world. I learned new skills, played in outrageously fun-themed bouts and scrimmages, and took random classes like breakdancing, Buti yoga, Tai Chi on skates, and figure skating. The experience inspired me to play my best, be a better skater and take care of my body. Last night, my team the Capital City Crushers, won its final bout of the season against the Lakewood, Colorado Derby Dames.

I hope to work in advertising/marketing/public relations. I hear being an excellent writer is imperative to be successful in this field. I took AP Literature and Composition in high school and have always been a decent writer, but I don't think I've practiced nearly enough. That's why I've decided to start writing for the Washburn Review. I hope to learn all that I can in this class so I can put my best foot forward when I snag that entry-level job and enter the working world!

Who is Courtney Sweeney?

Hey everyone!

My name is Courtney Sweeney and I am a super senior (I have been in college for six year because I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life). I am majoring in mass media with an emphasis in creative advertising. I also have a minor in psychology.

I am from Valley Falls, which is a small town, about 30 minutes northeast of Topeka. I grew up on a farm. I have cows, chickens, pigs, rabbits, ducks, cats and dogs. I love being from the country. I went to Bethany College for two years and I was on the dance team.

I do not have a lot of experience in editing. My mom teaches English at a school up north, so she is going to be my best friend this semester! I probably won't be smiling a lot in class because I am NOT a morning person. I promise I am not being mean!

I hope everyone has a great semester!