CIU student creativity shines at annual House Throwdown

Columbia International University students showed their Ram pride when they concluded CIU’s 100^th anniversary celebration with the annual House Throwdown. The Throwdown, a night of creative, sometimes thought-provoking and often zany performances, is a part of the House Collective, a series of events throughout the year where each residence hall or House; Fidelitas, Dignitas, Veritas, Virtus, Justitia, Sapientia and Aequitas compete for House points with the House Cup as the end-of-the-school year prize.

Smoke and lights opened the night in Shortess Chapel before an audience of students and alumni filled with excitement and anticipation.

The first to the stage were the men of Cassels, also known as Sapientia, the House of Wisdom. With energetic choreography they performed a parody of the popular song "I'm Just Ken" from the Barbie movie called "We're Just West." West is a previous name of their residence hall. They came to state who they are and will no longer be treated as a joke.

Next up was Batman, representing Justitia, the House of Justice, who delivered a challenge for students to take a stand for justice and unity on campus. Batman battled "ne'er-do-wells" in the name of justice to the accompaniment of an original rap video by the men of Memorial.

Veritas, the House of Truth, happily brought the audience along on a day in the life of a woman of Walker and the community they foster on campus, whether going to class, the cafeteria, chapel, Bible study, or playing pickleball. The ladies gave a shout-out to East, their brother house, who came next.

Virtus, House of Valor, did not take to the stage but had a video showing some of the tenants' interests, such as lightsaber battles, longboarding, creating music, and more. The video concluded with the Haka chant.

Fidelitas, House of Faithfulness, paid homage to their dorm's namesake, Sara Petty,  longtime dean of women. They brought energy and enthusiasm as they performed a "concert" that got the audience involved to show off their unique, fun-loving, and encouraging spirit. Ending with a reminder: while it is fun to be a fan, it is more important to be a follower of God who is always faithful.

Aequitas, the House of Equity, displayed their athletic talents and house camaraderie in High School Musical fashion with coordinated singing and dancing of their confidence in winning the House Cup for three consecutive years.

Dignitas, House of Dignity, sang with lyrics to glorify God to the tune of Katy Perry's "Roar." However, their song was interrupted by the distressing news that their mascot, Dingle, the bird of dignity, was missing. Using their deduction skills to rule out the other houses, they discovered that the Queen of Dignity had borrowed him for a portrait painting. With the mystery solved, the ladies finished their performance.

The end of each house performance was punctuated with blasts of confetti matching the house's colors.

After much deliberation from the judges, the top three finalists awarded the highest points for energy, house participation, and Ram spirit were Fidelitas coming in first, Dignitas in second, and Sapientia in third.

Community is at the heart of CIU where we’re educating students from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ. The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.