This weekend, IWU and Taylor activity councils worked together to throw a fun-filled weekend full of activities for students from both universities to participate in to grow closer as a community.
“It was an event we thought of about for years ago that used to be called February Frenzy, and it had nothing to do with Taylor at the time,” Jonny Rupp, Associate Dean of Student Involvement said, “And last year, we had an idea on how we thought we could elevate this event, we thought, why don’t we invite Taylor?”
“They could say no, but they didn’t. They said yes, and hundreds of Taylor students came last year to watch this event [Love On The Line], and so we felt like maybe we were onto something.” Rupp continued.
What started as a questionable thought sparked a young tradition between the universities that has grown over the last two years.
The Taylor Student Activities Council President, Emmaline Farley, said, “I thought it was a great idea. The schools are really close together, and there’s not enough community between them, so I was really excited about it, and excited to have intentional time to meet people from IWU.”
The weekend itself had activities that all students could enjoy, from the House Party with Spiritual Formation to the IWU Students’ Activities Council’s Love on the Line event.
“I thought there was a good mix of using all the different cabinets on campus, like there’s intramural stuff and roller-skating, just something for everyone,” Farley said.
Students from both campuses had nothing but positive things to say about the collaborative event from both universities, which are usually perceived as nothing but athletic rivals. After the weekend, the question arose: should the universities do this again?
“I think it’s a great idea. I’m a big fan of Taylor University. I don’t like their sports, but I like their students. I would love it if they did more events together.” IWU sophomore Malachi Allsop said.
“I think that this weekend was a great idea, and we should do one in the fall and the spring every year,” Farley said.
