Campus Events and Traditions
While Kenyon College always seems to have something new and exciting happening, there are a few events that we just couldn't live without. Traditions run deep here, and below you'll find a little more information on some of the big ones!- Activities Fair
- Class Clash
- Relay for Life
- Homecoming
- Summer Sendoff
- Lord Kenyon
- Harry Potter Day
- Battle of the Bands
- Student Leadership Awards
- Late Night Breakfast
Activities Fair
The Activities Fair is a bi-annual event held at the beginning of each semester in order to help student clubs and organizations recruit new members, raise awareness about their events, and network.
Class Clash
Class Clash happens on the first Saturday after school begins. The entire first-year class competes with each other for glory and prizes! Students are divided into groups based on their assigned Community Advisor, and the Community Advisors participate with their residents in order to provide "the inside scoop" on Kenyon - especially for the Kenyon-themed scavenger hunt! Activities involve a banner contest, a scavenger hunt, a dodgeball tournament, and several relay games.Relay for Life
The 2012 Relay for Life of Kenyon College had a record breaking year raising over $47,000 for the American Cancer Society! No matter who you are, there's a place for you at Relay. This annual campus tradition brings together students, faculty, staff, and community partners to not only honor cancer survivors and remember people we have lost, but also to raise funds and awareness to help save lives. You are helping create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!
Interested in being a part of the 2013 Relay for Life of Kenyon? There are many ways you can participate in the event. Sign up a team online or contact Jen Vihon, co-chair, if you are interested in being a part of the Relay for Life of Kenyon committee.
Homecoming
Homecoming means Purple Pride week at Kenyon! From a decorated dining hall to Kenyon temporary tattoos, there's plenty of purple pride to go around. Students are encouraged to attend all of the home athletic events on Saturday. The Student Activities Office hands out free popcorn at the football game, and sponsors "Franks for Coming" (free hotdogs for all!) at the soccer games. Several alumni return to campus for this fun-filled weekend, and many are recognized for their outstanding athletic contributions to Kenyon.Summer Sendoff
Summer Sendoff is a music festival that happens at the end of the Spring semester. Sponsored by Social Board, it is an opportunity for students, staff, and community to enjoy the day together. Entertainment has included bouncy castles, free meals, student bands, balloon art, professional bands, and more!
Lord Kenyon
Lord Kenyon, a Social Board event, is a pageant held in order to crown Lord Kenyon himself! Participants are nominated and invited to show off their walk, as well as their talent. With such talented students, attendees find themselves enjoying theater, harp and piano performances, and even a ribbon dance. After an audience vote, the next Lord Kenyon is crowned, complete with tiara and sash!Harry Potter Day
Harry Potter Day happens each spring and is a community-wide event. Community Advisors of Housing & Residential Life plan an entire day of fun-filled activities! From scavenger hunts, a quidditch match, and Harry Potter trivia, to entirely Harry Potter-themed meal in the Great Hall complete with costumes and prizes, it's an event you don't want to miss!Battle of the Bands
Kenyon College students participate in the bi-annual Battle of the Bands with gusto! This event is always a huge draw with lots of participation as well as audience members. Attendees are able to cast their vote for their favorite band throughout the event. The winners open for the Winter Concert or Sendoff depending on the semester.Student Leadership Awards
The Student Leadership Awards recognize and honor Kenyon's outstanding student leaders and organizations. Eleven award categories are presented during an awards ceremony the afternoon of Honors Day. Nominations are solicited from across the campus and are selected by a committee of students and staff.
Student Leadership Award Categories:
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Unsung Hero: Recognizes students who have made a significant impact in a student organization or on a committee, often without holding a leadership position.
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Emerging Leader of the Year: Recognizes a first or second year student who through his/her campus involvement has made contributions to the College, impacted their organization and its members, and has potential for continued campus leadership.
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Student Leader of the Year: Recognizes an upper class student who through his/her campus involvement has made contributions to the College, impacted their organization and its members, and has potential for continued campus leadership.
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Advisor of the Year: Recognizes a student organization advisor who through positive interactions with individuals in the organization and service to the organization promotes the development and growth of the organization and its members.
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New Organization of the Year: Presented to a new College recognized student organization for outstanding accomplishments during the academic year.
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Campus Organization of the Year: Presented to a College recognized student organization for outstanding accomplishments during the academic year.
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Campus Program of the Year: Presented to the student or student organization responsible for the development and implementation of an outstanding and innovative program which significantly contributed to the quality of life at Kenyon in the past year.
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Community Service Leader: Presented to the student who has made the most significant contribution toward meeting the needs of the surrounding community and/or non-profit service organization.
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Community Service Project of the Year: Presented to the student or student organization responsible for the development and implementation of an outstanding project or initiative making a significant impact on the campus and surrounding communities
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Outstanding Greek Organization of the Year: Recognizes a Greek organization that has demonstrated excellence in the areas of academic programming and excellence; alumni relations; community service; Greek Council and government involvement; alcohol, drug, and gender issues programming; and is in good standing with the college.
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John F. Furniss Jr. Greek Student Leader of the Year: Recognizes a Greek student who has given outstanding service to his/her fraternity, sorority, or society, the Greek Community, Kenyon College, and the surrounding community.