Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower
Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower
Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower
Easton Thompson

Easton Thompson, Former photographer

Easton Thompson was a photographer for The Sunflower. Thompson majored in communication with an emphasis on electronic media. He is from Wichita, Kansas.

All content by Easton Thompson
Catherine Morris, the senior curator for at the Sackler Center for Feminist Art, speaks to a crowd about a collection of art and the feminist perspective as it pertains to the pieces during the Tuesday, Nov. 5 "Voices from the Vault / Curatoring in the Key of F Minor" event at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

Catherine Morris, the senior curator for at the Sackler Center for Feminist Art, speaks to a crowd about a collection of art and the feminist perspective as it pertains to the pieces during the Tuesday, Nov. 5 "Voices from the Vault / Curatoring in the Key of F Minor" event at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

Catherine Morris, the senior curator for at the Sackler Center for Feminist Art, speaks to a crowd about a collection of art and the feminist perspective as it pertains to the pieces during the Tuesday, Nov. 5 "Voices from the Vault / Curatoring in the Key of F Minor" event at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

Catherine Morris, the senior curator for the Sackler Center for Feminist Art, speaks to a crowd about a collection of art and the feminist perspective as it pertains to the pieces during the Tuesday, Nov. 5 "Voices from the Vault / Curatoring in the Key of F Minor" event at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

[Photo] Feminist curator argues for re-envisioning of oppression in the art world

November 7, 2019
Catherine Morris, the senior curator for at the Sackler Center for Feminist Art, speaks to a crowd about a collection of art and the feminist perspective as it pertains to the pieces during the Tuesday, Nov. 5 "Voices from the Vault / Curatoring in the Key of F Minor" event at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

Catherine Morris, the senior curator for at the Sackler Center for Feminist Art, speaks to a crowd about a collection of art and the feminist perspective as it pertains to the pieces during the Tuesday, Nov. 5 "Voices from the Vault / Curatoring in the Key of F Minor" event at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Ksenya Gurshtein introduces the topic of discussion for the night and welcomes during the Catherine Morris, the senior curator for at the Sackler Center for Feminist Art, during the Tuesday, Nov. 5 "Voices from the Vault / Curatoring in the Key of F Minor" event at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Ksenya Gurshtein introduces the topic of discussion for the night and welcomes during the Catherine Morris, the senior curator for at the Sackler Center for Feminist Art, during the Tuesday, Nov. 5 "Voices from the Vault / Curatoring in the Key of F Minor" event at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

Mayor Longwell speaks to reporters during his mayoral election watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita. Brandon Whipple won the election and will be the next Mayor of Wichita.

Mayor Jeff Longwell speaks to local news reporters during his mayoral election watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita. Brandon Whipple won the election and will be the next Mayor of Wichita.

Susie Longwell stands with her husband Jeff while he speaks to the crowd during the mayoral watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita. Brandon Whipple won the election and will be the next Mayor of Wichita.

Susie Longwell claps for her husband Jeff while the crowd applauds him during the mayoral watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Susie Longwell stands with her husband Jeff while he tells the crowd that he did not win the Mayoral election during the watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita. Brandon Whipple won the race and will be the next Mayor of Wichita.

Mayor Jeff Longwell addresses the crowd during the mayoral watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Mayor Jeff Longwell takes to the stage to address the crowd during the mayoral watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Jeff Longwell speaks to the crowd about his time as Mayor of Wichita during the watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Mayor Jeff Longwell thanks the crowd for their support during the mayoral watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Susie Longwell stands with her husband Jeff while he addresses the crowd during the Longwell mayoral watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Susie Longwell stands with her husband Jeff while he thanks the crowd for his time as Mayor of Wichita during the Longwell watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Susie Longwell stands with her husband Jeff while he addresses the crowd during his mayoral watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Susie and Jeff Longwell take the stage at WAVE in downtown Wichita on Tuesday, Nov. 5 during the Longwell mayoral watch party. Longwell lost the race and Brandon Whipple will be the next Mayor of Wichita.

Susie and Jeff Longwell take the stage at WAVE in downtown Wichita on Tuesday, Nov. 5 during the Longwell mayoral watch party. Longwell lost the race and Brandon Whipple will be the next Mayor of Wichita.

Mayor Jeff Longwell takes a break from walking the floor and speaking with guests to check his phone during his watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Mayor Jeff Longwell takes a break from walking the floor and speaking with guests to check his phone during the Longwell watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Patrons wait for the vote count during Mayor Longwell's watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Bob Aldrich speaks to another watch party goer with his wife Donna during Mayor Longwell's watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Jeff Longwell walks the floor and speaks with guests during his watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita. Mayor Longwell did not win the race and Brandon Whipple will be the next Mayor of Wichita.

Sunflower Managing Editor Matthew Kelly interviews Mayor Jeff Longwell during his watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

[Photo] EDITORIAL: Today and every day should be Student Press Freedom Day

January 29, 2020
Kim Gamble speaks with Mayor Jeff Longwell during the mayoral watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Kim Gamble speaks with Mayor Longwell during the mayoral watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at WAVE in downtown Wichita.

Anthony Vu watches while Teri Hall and Jessica Provines play a game on a Nintendo Switch during the opening of the WSU esports hub on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in the Heskett Center.

[Photo] ‘It’s everything I envisioned’: Esports lab officially opens in Heskett Center

November 6, 2019
Kegan Clark, an academic advisor and tutor coordinator with TRIO Disability Support Services, grabs snacks from the provided selection during the opening of the WSU esports hub on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in the Heskett Center.

Jade Bornholdt, a junior studying computer science, uses a hub computer to select a game during the opening of the WSU esports hub on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in the Heskett Center.

Students and faculty participate in the opening of the WSU esports hub on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in the Heskett Center.

Morgan Mobley from KAKE news speaks to Kaylee Martin, a freshman studying aerospace engineering, while she plays a game during the opening of the WSU esports hub on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in the Heskett Center.

Freshman Marina Hata performs a traditional fan dance during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

PHOTOS: Japanese Culture Association hosts Japanese Culture Night Friday, Nov. 1, 2019

Easton Thompson, Photographer
November 2, 2019
Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night performers line up for photos at the end of their event on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Shinju Baxter, miss Japan Wichita, sings a rendition of "Precious" by Ito Yuna to end Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Baxter chose the song "Precious" because it reminds her of the relationship between her and her sister who is in Japan. The song describes two people believing that if they have each other, anything is possible and everything will be ok.

Shinju Baxter, miss Japan Wichita, sings a rendition of "Precious" by Ito Yuna to end Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Baxter chose the song "Precious" because it reminds her of the relationship between her and her sister who is in Japan. The song describes two people believing that if they have each other, anything is possible and everything will be ok.

Shinju Baxter, miss Japan Wichita, sings a rendition of "Precious" by Ito Yuna to end Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Baxter chose the song "Precious" because it reminds her of the relationship between her and her sister who is in Japan. The song describes two people believing that if they have each other, anything is possible and everything will be ok.

Shinju Baxter, miss Japan Wichita, sings a rendition of "Precious" by Ito Yuna to end Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Baxter chose the song "Precious" because it reminds her of the relationship between her and her sister who is in Japan. The song describes two people believing that if they have each other, anything is possible and everything will be ok.

Shinju Baxter, miss Japan Wichita, sings a rendition of "Precious" by Ito Yuna to end Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Baxter chose the song "Precious" because it reminds her of the relationship between her and her sister who is in Japan. The song describes two people believing that if they have each other, anything is possible and everything will be ok.

Shinju Baxter, miss Japan Wichita, sings a rendition of "Precious" by Ito Yuna to end Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Baxter chose the song "Precious" because it reminds her of the relationship between her and her sister who is in Japan. The song describes two people believing that if they have each other, anything is possible and everything will be ok.

Shinju Baxter, miss Japan Wichita, sings a rendition of "Precious" by Ito Yuna to end Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Baxter chose the song "Precious" because it reminds her of the relationship between her and her sister who is in Japan. The song describes two people believing that if they have each other, anything is possible and everything will be ok.

Shinju Baxter, miss Japan Wichita, sings a rendition of "Precious" by Ito Yuna to end Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Baxter chose the song "Precious" because it reminds her of the relationship between her and her sister who is in Japan. The song describes two people believing that if they have each other, anything is possible and everything will be ok.

Shinju Baxter, miss Japan Wichita, sings a rendition of "Precious" by Ito Yuna to end Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Baxter chose the song "Precious" because it reminds her of the relationship between her and her sister who is in Japan. The song describes two people believing that if they have each other, anything is possible and everything will be ok.

Shinju Baxter, miss Japan Wichita, sings a rendition of "Precious" by Ito Yuna to end Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Baxter chose the song "Precious" because it reminds her of the relationship between her and her sister who is in Japan. The song describes two people believing that if they have each other, anything is possible and everything will be ok.

Kanas State University's Yosakoi Dancers perform during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Kanas State University's Yosakoi Dancers perform during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Ryan M. Kenny, a senior studying mechanical engineering at Kansas State, performs with the Kansas State University Yosakoi Dancers during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Ryan M. Kenny, a senior studying mechanical engineering at Kansas State, performs with the Kansas State University Yosakoi Dancers during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Kansas State University's Yosakoi Dancers perform during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Ryan M. Kenny, a senior studying mechanical engineering at Kansas State, performs with the Kansas State University Yosakoi Dancers during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Ryan M. Kenny, a senior studying mechanical engineering at Kansas State, performs with the Kansas State University Yosakoi Dancers during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Kansas State University's Yosakoi Dancers perform during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Ryan M. Kenny, a senior studying mechanical engineering at Kansas State, speaks to the crowd about the final dance that the Kansas State University Yosakoi Dancers will perform during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Ryan M. Kenny, a senior studying mechanical engineering at Kansas State, speaks to the crowd about the final dance that the Kansas State University Yosakoi Dancers will perform during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Kansas State University's Yosakoi Dancers perform during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Kansas State University's Yosakoi Dancers perform during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Tora Lawson, sensei of the Tosa No Shugyo Dojo, speaks to the crowd about the combative battlefield disciplines of the Samurai during an armored sword demonstration at Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 in the CAC Theater. Lawson founded the Tosa No Shugyo school in Wichita after 34 years of study in Japanese martial arts.

Tora Lawson, sensei of the Tosa No Shugyo Dojo, performs an armored sword demonstration during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Lawson founded the Tosa No Shugyo school in Wichita after 34 years of study in Japanese martial arts.

Tora Lawson, sensei of the Tosa No Shugyo Dojo, speaks to the crowd about the combative battlefield disciplines of the Samurai during an armored sword demonstration at Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 in the CAC Theater. Lawson founded the Tosa No Shugyo school in Wichita after 34 years of study in Japanese martial arts.

Tora Lawson, sensei of the Tosa No Shugyo Dojo, performs an armored sword demonstration during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater. Lawson founded the Tosa No Shugyo school in Wichita after 34 years of study in Japanese martial arts.

Okinawa Karate Dojo members perform a karate demonstration during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Okinawa Karate Dojo members perform a karate demonstration during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Okinawa Karate Dojo members perform an Eisa Drum Dance during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Okinawa Karate Dojo members perform an Eisa Drum Dance during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Okinawa Karate Dojo members perform an Eisa Drum Dance during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Sophomore Akishige Kuraishi lifts junior Stefano Bardelli during Wichita State's Judo Club demonstration during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Sophomore Akishige Kuraishi drops junior Stefano Bardelli to their crash mat during Wichita State's Judo Club demonstration during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Sophomore Akishige Kuraishi drops junior Stefano Bardelli to their crash mat during Wichita State's Judo Club demonstration during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Sophomore Akishige Kuraishi drops junior Stefano Bardelli to their crash mat during Wichita State's Judo Club demonstration during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Junior Stefano Bardelli and sophomore Akishige Kuraishi bow in preparation for their judo demonstration during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 in the CAC Theater.

Audience members huddle together as Akishige Kuraishi dives over them during the Wichita State Judo Club demonstration at Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 in the CAC Theater.

Sophomore Akishige Kuraishi speaks to the crowd about the Wichita State Judo Club's demonstration during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Joshua Keese, a senior studying management information systems, emcees during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 in the CAC Theater.

Freshman Marina Hata finishes her performance of a traditional fan dance during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Freshman Marina Hata performs a traditional fan dance during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Freshman Marina Hata performs a traditional fan dance during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Freshman Marina Hata performs a traditional fan dance during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Freshman Marina Hata performs a traditional fan dance during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Freshman Marina Hata performs a traditional fan dance during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Freshman Marina Hata performs a traditional fan dance during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Freshman Marina Hata performs a traditional fan dance during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Freshman Marina Hata begins her performance of a traditional fan dance during Yokoso: Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 at the CAC Theater.

Joshua Keese, a senior studying management information systems, emcees during Japanese Culture Night on Friday, Nov. 1 in the CAC Theater.

Dr. Jay Golden, of East Carolina University, was selected on Thursday to be the 14th president of Wichita State University. He previously served as the vice chancellor for ECU's Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement.

PHOTOS: Jay Golden, new WSU president, makes first campus visit

Morgan Anderson and Easton Thompson
October 31, 2019
Jay Golden, the new president of Wichita State University, answers questions from members of the press on Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Rhatigan Student Center. Golden previously served as the vice chancellor for the Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement at East Carolina University.

[Photo] University President Jay Golden resigns

September 25, 2020
Jay Golden, the new president of Wichita State University, answers questions from members of the press on Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Rhatigan Student Center. Golden previously served as the vice chancellor for the Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement at East Carolina University.

Jay Golden, the new president of Wichita State University, answers questions from members of the press on Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Rhatigan Student Center.

[Photo] Hours before resignation, Golden promoted his upcoming installation ceremony to donors

October 19, 2020
Jay Golden, the new president of Wichita State University, answers questions from members of the press on Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Rhatigan Student Center.

Jay Golden, the new president of Wichita State University, answers questions from members of the press on Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Rhatigan Student Center. Golden previously served as the vice chancellor for the Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement at East Carolina University.

Jay Golden, the new president of Wichita State University, answers questions from members of the press on Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Rhatigan Student Center.

Jay Golden, the new president of Wichita State University, answers questions from members of the press on Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Rhatigan Student Center.

Jay Golden, the new president of Wichita State University, answers questions from members of the press on Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Rhatigan Student Center.

Jay Golden speaks to the presidential announcement attendees about his selection as the new president of Wichita State University on Thursday, Oct. 31 at the Rhatigan Student Center.

Jay Golden speaks to the presidential announcement attendees about his selection as the new president of Wichita State University on Thursday, Oct. 31 at the Rhatigan Student Center. Golden previously served as the vice chancellor for the Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement at East Carolina University.

[Photo] Editorial: We’ve heard the talk. Let’s see the walk.

November 4, 2019
Jay Golden speaks to the presidential announcement attendees about his selection as the new president of Wichita State University on Thursday, Oct. 31 at the Rhatigan Student Center. Golden previously served as the vice chancellor for the Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement at East Carolina University.

Jay Golden speaks to the presidential announcement attendees about his selection as the new president of Wichita State University on Thursday, Oct. 31 at the Rhatigan Student Center.

Load More Stories