The L&S Honors Program welcomed Dean Eric Wilcots to the historic Washburn Observatory on October 15, 2025, for a memorable Wednesday @ Washburn event.
Attendance was strong, with students eager to hear from the Dean about his personal journey, his leadership of the College of Letters & Science, and his passion for astronomy. True to the Wednesday @ Washburn tradition, the atmosphere was relaxed and student-centered, with food and drinks encouraging informal dialogue.
The conversation quickly took off, with student questions ranging widely—so widely, in fact, that one might say they spanned galaxies. From academic leadership to the wonders of the cosmos, the discussion reflected both the breadth of student curiosity and Dean Wilcots’ ability to engage across topics with warmth and insight.
To conclude the evening, students headed upstairs to the Observatory’s telescope. Despite cloudy skies, the experience of gathering around the instrument in such a historic setting added a fittingly cosmic finale to the night.
This Wednesday @ Washburn highlighted the program’s commitment to creating intimate, high-impact experiences where students can connect directly with campus leaders. By blending humor, curiosity, and even a bit of stargazing, the event captured the spirit of Honors: learning that reaches beyond boundaries.