Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center Accommodations
Located on Washburn’s campus off 17th and Jewell, the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center sits across the street from White Concert Hall and Mulvane Art Museum. The facility is designed to serve the needs of alumni, the university and the Topeka community.
The following facilities are available for rent for University and community use. Amenities available with rental are listed at the bottom of this page. Visit University Scheduling or call 785.670.1725 for questions or to schedule your event.
Ruth Garvey Fink Convocation Hall

The showpiece of the center, Ruth Garvey Fink Convocation Hall is located on the west side of the building. It features a fireplace on the east end and large windows fronted by three columns on the west. The columns overlook the Joss Garden. Two-hundred guests can be seated for dinner in the hall, and space can be divided into three rooms. Doors on the south lead to a service kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, warming oven, refrigerator and ice maker. Rental of the convocation hall includes use of the Joss Reception Gallery and Joss Garden. The convocation hall is used for numerous Alumni Association events, by other departments on campus and for weddings and receptions.
Convocation Hall occupancy and room configuration
- Reception (no seating): 490
- Lecture (chairs only): 250
- Banquet (27 tables with eight people per table): 216
- Banquet with dance floor: 175-190
Note: Seating capacity is estimated and will vary depending on the setup.
Washburn College Bible Room


Located on the first floor, the room displays the Washburn College Bible designed by alumnus Bradbury Thompson, ba ’34. The room contains a conference table that seats 15 people.
Joss Reception Gallery

The entrance through the main doors on the east side leads to the Joss Reception Gallery illuminated by skylights two stories above. The gallery is adaptable for small gatherings and features a custom-made circular staircase leading to the second floor of the facility.
Doris Firestone Joss Garden

You can enter the 16,500-square-foot garden through the west exits of the Convocation Hall and the gates at the north and south of the garden. Stretching the width of the garden, a brick sidewalk forms a “W” and includes a 5-foot-11 bronze statue of the Ichabod.