The student experience at Friends University goes further than the classroom, outside the boundaries of the playing field, and extends beyond the comfort of the residence halls. Throughout the year, a vibrant energy consumes the campus and engages students, faculty, alumni, and staff in the traditions that have transformed Friends from simply a place of learning to a community of faith, family and fun.
Cherry Carnival
Winter means Cherry Carnival at Friends University. A tradition stretching back to 1929, the carnival has blossomed into a weeklong party – including a dance, chili cook-off, movie night, races, obstacle courses, water gun fights, and the ever-popular “Find the Cherry” scavenger hunt.
Walkout
When the loud clangs of pots and pans resonate from the halls of the Davis Administration Building, that can only mean one thing: WALKOUT! In celebration of an athletic conference championship, students take to the halls outside the president’s office with a resounding clatter, asking the president for a Walkout to celebrate the team’s achievements. If the president grants the Walkout request, students are given a day off from classes. This tradition dates back to the 1950s.
Banana Bandits
Some might say that Friday mornings at Friends University are rather a-peeling. Students who arrive on campus in the morning, are treated to a potassium-packed breakfast of delicious bananas. The only catch is – you have to find them first. A mysterious phenomenon that began in 2012, this weekly tradition can now be attributed to a bunch of students calling themselves the Banana Bandits, who spend Thursday nights buying and hiding the fruit around campus.
Homecoming
While pretty much every university celebrate homecoming, nobody does it quite like Friends University – engaging the entire campus population from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community at-large. Celebrations include a parade, block party, food, dancing, milestone reunions, music, drama, coronations, and of course a football game.
Tree Lighting
This annual Christmas tradition kicks of the season with songs from the Singing Quakers, a dramatic performance, and of course a reading of a classic Christmas story. The university community gathers together in the cozy halls of the Davis Administration Building to bring warmth to the winter season and to each other.
Week of Welcome
This semiannual tradition – celebrated in August and January – is just as its name implies: a week to welcome our new students. The university community is at your service to introduce you to all aspects of our campus from schedules, athletics, and student life to social activities, food, and community service.
Salvation Army Service Day
Each year since 1992, Friends University staff, faculty,and student groups join together to serve at the Salvation Army, as part of Angel Tree Project. The university assists the charity group with donation pick-ups, gift sorting, bike assembly, and decoration the facility for the families.