Students at Friends University are celebrating Cherry Carnival Monday, Feb. 6, through Saturday, Feb. 11. This year’s theme is “We Love ICT.”
“The goal of this year’s theme is to raise awareness for our students about what the Wichita community has to offer,” said Dr. Carole Obermeyer, vice president of student affairs. “We are hosting many events and even giving away a limited quantity of ‘We Love ICT’ t-shirts.”
Students will participate in a weeklong Golden Cherry Hunt. The scavenger hunt will take place both on and off campus.
Students will begin the week with a Donut Decorating Party Monday afternoon. “There are a number of great donut shops in Wichita, so we want to highlight donuts,” Dr. Obermeyer said. Monday evening, students will enjoy watching a free movie at the Warren Old Town Theatre Grille – a neighborhood theater less than 15 minutes from campus.
Ice skating at the Wichita Ice Center, just across from Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, will be offered to students Tuesday. Friends University is also hosting a Red Cross blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday as a way to give back to the community.
Friends University and Friendship Fields students will enjoy a Winter Ball Friday. Friendship Fields is a program that allows college-age adults with disabilities to experience college life while also offering Friends students the opportunity to work with special needs students.
Food trucks will be on campus Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. The Student Government Association Falcon Activities and Campus Events committee will pay for specially designated Friends University menu items for students with IDs. The community is welcome to purchase food from the vendors.
Cherry Carnival week will culminate with both men’s and women’s basketball teams competing against Southwestern College on Saturday. The women’s game starts at 5 p.m. The men’s game starts at 7 p.m. The games are free for students and open to the public.
“I enjoy Cherry Carnival every year, and I am looking forward to the ICT theme this year,” said Sara Gonzalez, a senior and double major in criminal justice and psychology. “Since I am from California, I would really like to learn more about what’s in the area.”
Cherry Carnival has been an on-campus tradition since 1929.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.