Wednesday @ Washburn with Dan Kapust: Overflowing Interest Sparks a Second Session

The L&S Honors Program’s first Wednesday @ Washburn of the semester, held on September 17, 2025, was such a success that it exceeded capacity and prompted a second session. Hosted in the historic Washburn Observatory, the event featured Professor Daniel Kapust, the Director of the L&S Honors Program, who is also a professor of political science and the Judith Hicks Stiehm Chair in Political Theory.

Originally capped at 40 students, the event quickly reached its limit, with dozens more eager to attend. To meet this overwhelming demand, Kapust graciously agreed to host a second gathering, ensuring that all interested students had the chance to participate.

The evening offered students a unique opportunity to hear directly from Kapust about his personal story, academic journey, and current work in political theory. True to the spirit of Wednesday @ Washburn, the conversation was informal, student-driven, and enriched by food and drinks that encouraged a relaxed atmosphere. Students came prepared with thoughtful questions, sparking lively dialogue that reflected both their intellectual curiosity and their enthusiasm for connecting with the new Honors Director.

Kapust’s openness and willingness to engage made the sessions especially memorable. His decision to host a second event underscored his commitment to accessibility and to fostering meaningful connections with Honors students.

The popularity of this Wednesday @ Washburn highlights the Program’s role in creating intimate, high-impact experiences where students can engage directly with faculty leaders.