Fun, Fellowship & Campus Traditions
Kuyper College recognizes that no college education is complete without a good amount of fun and fellowship, so there's always a special event waiting in the wings. All students-residential, nonresidential, or nontraditional-are invited to take part in campus events.
The Student Activities Council is responsible for planning and organizing many of the special events, but activities are also offered by the Spiritual Life Committee, members of Student Government, the Intramural Committee, and the Residence Life staff.
Some events are longtime campus traditions, while some are fairly new but on their way to becoming traditions. And, there's always room for new and creative activities every year. One of the great things about Kuyper College is that students are encouraged to come up with new ways to have fun. If you've got an idea for an event or activity, chances are you'll be given the green light to organize it.
Campus Traditions
Fun Fest
This takes place at the beginning of the fall semester. It's a competition between Schaal and Timmer halls and a team combining Holt Apartment residents and students living off campus. Teams compete in a variety of messy games and activities that kick-off the new school year. The winning team gets the coveted spot on the nameplate of the Fun Fest Trophy.
All-Campus Retreat
Very early in the fall semester, students get away to enjoy a variety of activities during a retreat at destinations such as Spring Hill, or Timber Wolf Lake Camps. It's a great chance to get to know your classmates better and be challenged in your walk with Christ.
Farm Fest
This event brings out the cowboy and cowgirl in our students. Square dancing, a hay ride, a bonfire, and great prizes make this one terrific fall evening.
Christmas Banquet
The Christmas Banquet is a tradition that's been around for more than 60 years. This formal night includes a great meal, entertainment, and dancing.
Midnight Bowling
Every spring semester, the College rents a bowling alley, and students vie for prizes as the best-and worst-bowlers. Oh, and it doesn't start until midnight.
Other events and activities that Kuyper College students have enjoyed:
Getting Involved
Several campus organizations provide opportunities for personal and spiritual growth and to guide campus policies-or to just have fun.
Bible Studies
Weekly Bible studies are held on each residence-hall floor. There are also Bible-study opportunities for students living off campus.
Choir
The Kuyper College Choir performs on campus and at area churches and schools. Most students take choir for credit, but there are students who take the course purely for the enjoyment. The academic portion of choir is a brief overview of music in its historical and cultural contexts. The music presented by the choir is drawn from a variety of historical periods and represents a wide range of styles. For more information about the choir, e-mail Carol Hochhalter at chochhalter@kuyper.edu or call her at (616) 988-3697.
Mission Trips
During spring break, Christmas break, and summer sessions, Kuyper College offers several mission-trip opportunities. These trips have taken students to Russia, the Dominican Republic, Romania, Texas, Florida, and a variety of other places.
Student Activities Committee
Members of the Student Activities Committee plan and organize all kinds of campus events. The committee sponsors events twice a month and aims to provide opportunities for social events that will build community at Kuyper College. For more information, contact Andrea Pancoast, Student Activities Committee advisor at apancoast@kuyper.edu or at (616) 988-3650.
Student Government
Each year, a group of students is elected to serve as advocates for the student body as members of Student Government. These representatives voice the concerns of students and address issues of vital importance to the entire college community. The result is often positive change and a better Kuyper College for everyone.
Members of Student Government play an active role on a number of college committees in addition to taking on projects as a group. Representatives are elected from among all year levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) and from multicultural, off-campus, and international students.
To be eligible to run for Student Government, students must be full-time, plan to attend the College for the full year of their term, and be in good academic standing. Students are eligible to run for student president only if they've previously served as a member of Student Government for at least one year.
To learn more about becoming a campus leader through Student Government, contact Cisco Gonzalez, director of student life, at cgonzalez@kuyper.edu or at (616) 988-3702.
Yearbook Staff
Put your skills to work creating and publishing a book that will provide a wealth of memories to Kuyper College students. For more information, contact Andrea Pancoast at apancoast@kuyper.edu or at (616) 988-3650.
Intramural Committee
The Intramural Committee is very active in organizing athletic opportunities for the Kuyper College community. The committee is responsible for organizing tournaments, activities, and outings to promote active lifestyles and good sportsmanship. Tournaments are held in basketball, flag football, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, indoor and outdoor soccer, pool, and table tennis. The Intramural Committee also plans activities such as lunchtime dodgeball, softball games, and nighttime games. Outings may include ski trips, hockey games, basketball games, baseball games, bowling, and ice-skating. For more information, contact Christine Moran at cmoran@kuype.edu or at (616) 988-3691.