Experience the tradition, be the future at K-State Olathe open house

Monday, March 25, 2013

by Kristi Northcutt

There are few places where lava, tomato plants, Cajun food and face-painting rats come together for a fun-filled day, but Kansas State University Olathe’s open house is precisely that place. The All-University Open House gives the public and future students a chance to experience the university firsthand.

The open house will take place Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Olathe campus, 22201 W. Innovation Drive, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Salina and Manhattan campuses. The open house will offer hands-on demonstrations, entertainment, food, exhibits, tours and more.

This year, there will be a special focus on recognizing the university's traditions while looking toward the future. As the K-State celebrates 150 years as the nation's first land-grant university, there is plenty to celebrate.

Emily Lehning, assistant vice president of new student services, said open house is an exciting event displaying the hard work of many individuals and groups throughout K-State's three campuses.

"We're exploring K-State's exciting future and proud traditions," said Lehning. "Open house is a great opportunity for current and future students, the community, and faculty and staff to enjoy the university and spend a day exploring and learning."

For the inaugural event in Olathe, an assortment of educational demonstrations and activities, all of which are kid-friendly, have been developed. Johnson County K-State Research and Extension and the K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Center-Olathe are partnering with K-State Olathe to offer a comprehensive line-up of activities and interactive displays.

The Olathe campus’ graduate-level programs as well as the university’s undergraduate and distance programs will have representatives available. Sensory tests, knife skills, an interactive water lab, a germ light, creation station for kids with coloring, face painting and tattoos, and a prize wheel are a sampling of the day’s events.

Open house is free to attend, and no registration is required. Lunch will be provided by Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. while supplies last.

Olathe campus CEO Dan Richardson said, “The lineup of activities taking place in our first year of participation in the all-university open house is nothing short of amazing. We are excited to proudly display our facility, programs and people to the community which has welcomed and supported us with open arms.”

For more information about the K-State Olathe open house, click here or contact Kristi Northcutt at 913-307-7341 or knorthcutt@ksu.edu