Annual Events & 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 more information on some of the big ones!

Jump to:

• Activities Fair
• Relay for Life
• Homecoming
• Late Night Breakfast
• Summer Sendoff
• Harry Potter Day
• Student Leadership Awards

Activities Fair

The Activities Fair is a bi-annual event held at the beginning of each semester in order to help student organizations recruit new members, raise awareness about their events, and network.

Relay for Life

The Relay for Life of Kenyon College raises funds for the American Cancer Society. 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.

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, where the Office of Student Engagement staff will be handing out food and prizes. Show your Purple Pride and support your fellow Lords & Ladies!

Late Night Breakfast

Late Night Breakfast is a staple for nearly every single Kenyon student. Traditionally held on the Sunday before finals begin, students are served a hot breakfast by faculty and staff members resplendent in hairnets and aprons. This year's late night breakfast featured a "salad" bar full of candy, music streamed from Kenyon's WKCO, board games, coloring, and more! 

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. Previous Sendoff artists have included Big Boi, Grouplove, Brother Ali, Sleigh Bells, Logic, and Danny Brown. 

Harry Potter Day

Harry Potter Day is a community-wide event, sponsored by Housing & Residential Life each spring. 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!

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:

• Unsung Hero: Recognizes students who have made a significant impact in a student organization or on a committee, often without holding a leadership position.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• New Organization of the Year: Presented to a new College recognized student organization for outstanding accomplishments during the academic year.

• Campus Organization of the Year: Presented to a College recognized student organization for outstanding accomplishments during the academic year.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.