Mudge Week

This is a weeklong of student-centered activities named in honor of Benjamin F. Mudge, a beloved professor who was passionate about bugs and fostering excellent student experiences.

Call for Bug Art and Photos

The Popenoe Entomology Club is calling for submissions for the annual Bug Art and Photo Contest to be held during Mudge Week 2025 (March 31—April 4).

The Popenoe Entomology Club's Mudge Week Committeee works on developing and putting on the events. Example of events include:

C.V. Riley Special Collections tours
Cats' Cupboard donation drives
Bug art and photo competitions
Students vs. Faculty Bug Trivia Cage Match
Student-Sponsored Invited Speaker

History

Benjamin F. Mudge, a bald headed man with a glorious beard. The image has a rustic quality and is in sepia tones denoting it historic quality.

During the spring semester the K-State Department of Entomology takes time to recognize and remember Benjamin Franklin Mudge. Benjamin Franklin Mudge (right) was one of the first faculty to teach at what was then the Kansas State Agricultural College, later Kansas State University, starting in 1865. He taught the first entomology course at Kansas State ("Insects Injurious to Vegetation"), and it was also the first economic entomology course taught anywhere in the United States. He also taught courses in astronomy, physics, meteorology, botany, zoology, physiology, mineralogy, geology, physical geography, agricultural chemistry, among others. He was beloved by students, so it is entirely appropriate that we have a week of student-centered activities named in his honor. To learn more about this remarkable man, read this memorial written two years after his death in 1879.