By Dani Neu ’21 and Cooper Vittetoe ’21
Central College is known for fostering an incredible community of students. A major part of this community is made up of campus life activities, especially long-standing traditions. Traditions are ways students can interact and build relationships with one another. Here are some of our favorite Central traditions!
The Lemming Race
The Lemming Race kicks off Homecoming weekend at Central. Students are encouraged to dress up in crazy costumes and run from Geisler Library, down Peace Mall, to the pond. Once the students reach the pond, they jump in and swim to the island and sing the Central fight song!
Service Day
This Central tradition is dedicated to volunteering in our community. Classes are canceled to encourage students and faculty to spend that time giving back. Service Day projects range from working in local gardens to cleaning to hanging out with children.
Fresh Cookie Tuesday
This weekly tradition happens during lunch hours at Central Market. The Central Market bakes and serves delicious cookies, including chocolate chip, M&M, snickerdoodle and more. The cookies are fresh out of the oven and practically melt in your mouth. Fresh Cookie Tuesday is a favorite treat among many Central students!
Breakfast of Champions
Breakfast of Champions is another tradition Central students really enjoy. It takes place at the end of every semester when students eat breakfast the night before finals begin at 10 p.m. It’s where students can celebrate the hard work they have put in studying for exams. Not only do students get to have breakfast for dinner, but they’re also served by their professors!
Final Fling
Final Fling is a weekend filled with fun activities that takes place right before school ends for the summer. During this event, there is a dance, boat races in the pond and a lip sync battle that students can choose to participate in or simply enjoy watching!
These are just a few examples of traditions we have on campus. There are many more traditions at Central that are a part of our rich and fulfilling community!
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About the Authors
Hi, everyone! My name is Dani Neu ’21, and I’m from West Des Moines, Iowa. I was a communication studies and social science double-major and a global sustainability minor at Central College. Post graduation, I am now a legal assistant for an attorney in Des Moines. When I’m not working, I’m studying for the LSAT with the hope of going to law school next year!
During my time at Central, I held multiple work-study positions, was part of SOS (Student Orientation Staff) and participated in Dance Marathon, Best Buddies and campus ministries.
Hi! My name is Cooper Vittetoe ’21. I was a communication studies major at Central College. I am originally from Waukee, Iowa, and I’m now a graduate student at the University of Northern Iowa pursuing my masters degree in postsecondary education: student affairs.
During my time at Central, I was a part of the A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers and held multiple work-study jobs all over campus. I truly loved my time at Central, and I hope you’ll make your best decision ever by coming to Central. Go Dutch!
