The Hesston College community is gearing up for the start of another year, and the 2017-18 year is shaping up to be exciting with plenty to offer to the wider community as well.
Community members and others who are interested can stay informed of on- and off-campus public events by checking or subscribing to the college’s events calendar.
The new year kicks off with Opening Weekend activities starting Aug. 18 and classes beginning Aug. 21. Community members are welcome to join the campus community to observe an evening of nonsensical fun at the annual Mod Olympics at 6:45 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 20, on the Hesston College soccer field. During Mod Olympics, on-campus students compete in their mod groups in relays and games as a way to get to know one another and start the year off on a light note.
The new year also marks some significant changes and events for the college as well as those that have become annual traditions.
Dr. Joseph A. Manickam, the college’s ninth president, assumed office on Aug. 1, and looks forward to connecting with and meeting members of the wider community in a variety of ways. Dr. Manickam’s inauguration will take place on Sept. 23, during the college’s annual Homecoming Weekend. A full schedule of Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend events can be found at online.
The college’s annual Thanksgiving weekend celebration will be a new experience in the college’s recent history as Hesston will not host a Thanksgiving Weekend celebration in 2017. The calendar change reflects shifts in student demographics and refinements in Hesston’s carefully targeted recruitment strategies. The weekend’s most popular events will find new dates on the calendar, including:
- Two-mile run/walk: The Manickam Mosey, September 23. More information and registration online.
- Talent Show, Nov. 11 during Alumni/Community Day. The day will also feature men’s and women’s varsity basketball games and meal.
- Masterworks concert: “Light Eternal”, Dec. 9.
Other calendar highlights for the year include:
- Fall drama: “And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson,” Oct. 25 to 29.
- Keynote address by Cynthia Barnett, author of the community read, “Blue Revolution: Unmaking America’s Water Crisis” (2012, Beacon Press), Nov. 2.
- Anabaptist Vision and Discipleship Series: “Before the Unthinkable Happens,” Feb. 23 to 25.
- Spring musical: “Hands on a Hardbody,” Feb. 28 to March 4.