By Becca Kohlmyer, CIU Student Writer
As the 2024-2025 school year began to draw to a close, students flocked to the Quad for free shaved ice and the chance to watch their favorite student leaders get dunked in the dunk tank at Columbia International University’s annual House Summit event.
The House Summit is the climax of the House Collective, a yearlong competition between the seven residence halls (or dorms) for the coveted House Cup. The House Cup provides opportunities for students of all interests and talents to compete in various activities for points awarded to their house. At the end of the year, the winning house is announced and awarded a check for improvements to their house.
The House Summit is also a time for all CIU students to come together and recognize the hard work their resident directors and resident assistants (RAs) put into the events over the year. The RAs spend all year caring for the students in their residence hall and across the campus by being available 24/7 for needs and concerns.
Somewhat ironically, the way these RAs are appreciated is by dunking them in a dunk tank. Marci Scardino, one of the RAs of the Fidelitas Residence Hall said, “The dunk tank is definitely a funny way to end the year. I’m really enjoying it though, and seeing the love for the RAs.”
Katie Haase, fellow RA of Fidelitas, said the dunk tank was, “freezing, but exciting. It is a little weird getting up there, but strangely fun! I’m just glad Dylan Jacobs (Pineview Apartments residential director) doesn’t have good aim!”
Other highlights of the event included fruit and cookies, which brought students out of the library after a long day of studying. The House Summit also included a giant waterslide.
“I very much enjoyed the waterslide,” said student Claire Sims. “It’s not everyday something like this happens. This has been a fun event, I’ve had a blast so far and I’m looking forward to seeing the new RAs for next year!”
To conclude the festivities, the RAs from each house stood up to say a few words about their year and share what they love about their house. Each RA announced who would be taking their position for the following year, and passed the torch (or waffle maker in the case of the Sapienta, the House of Wisdom) on to the next set of leaders. Many a tear was shed for the departing RAs, but students gave a warm welcome to the picks for the 2025-2026 school year.
The victor of the House Collective for the 2024-2025 school year was Justitia, House of Justice! Students were happy for the victors, but, as student Hannah Place put it, “each house put so much effort and spirit into this competition that they got first place in their hearts.”
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