“My first official Weigand Field Trip Day was one to remember!”
Following another semester of challenging coursework, the current Weigand scholars punctuated the school year with a field trip across northeast Kansas. The trip encompassed a variety of activities pertinent to Kansas’ justice system, history, and culture alike.
The day began with a fairly extensive tour of Lansing State Penitentiary providing an inside look at one of the state’s most vital correctional facilities. While in the State Penitentiary, the scholars had an opportunity to discuss daily life, issues and challenges with a facility administrator, as well as a small panel of long-term inmates.
“Lansing was truly eye opening. It is one thing to study criminal law and the purpose of incarceration; it is another thing to actually see it in practice.” – Liam Reilly
“It was great to see how the statutes we study in the classroom impact citizens and legislators.” – Kyle Calvin
The Lansing visit also featured a discussion with inmates participating in the Safe Harbor Prison Dog Program, which allows inmates to care for, train, and love dogs that would otherwise be euthanized.
“The program truly gives a sense of purpose to some inmates who could spend the rest of their lives in prison. Being a dog lover myself, I couldn’t imagine the bittersweet feeling when a dog gets adopted.” – Bobby Chipman
The group returned to Topeka for lunch at a local eatery, and a short tour of the Kansas Supreme Court. While at the courthouse, Honorable Thomas Malone, Chief Justice of the Kansas Court of Appeals, graciously welcomed the group into his chambers for a discussion of his role within the judicial system.
“Judge Malone issued a friendly challenge to the scholars, to uphold the fine reputation for which Weigands are known!” – Claudette Glenn
Crossing the street, the Weigands went on a historic tour of the Kansas State Capital.
“I was impressed by the remarkable artwork at the State Capitol. The murals and photographs helped to tell important stories of Kansas history. Plus, who could forget the singing tour guide?” – Matthew Schippers.
Before dinner in Lawrence, they experienced Lessman’s Truckhenge and Kaw Region Art Park, an eclectic combination of farm, salvage & recycled art, and nature sanctuary, where, as Erica McCabe, 2L Kansas University put it, “we never experienced a dull moment!”
Claudette Glenn, Director of the Weigand Trust said, “The day was structured around two of our permeating themes – building and strengthening connections of the Weigand Family, and our Kansas heritage. From the comments of the participants, it was a huge success!
“The Weigand Scholar’s Field Trip was such a wonderful way for me to get to know our new scholars. I am constantly impressed by the members of this scholarship family.” – Erica
“It was a fun-filled day of trekking across Kansas with some pretty substantial legal take-aways.” – Liam
The Weigand Field Trip was an excellent opportunity to learn more about Kansas history and the Kansas judicial system as a whole, while at the same time learn more about our fellow Weigand Scholars. – Kyle