Over four years ago, COVID-19 pressed pause on everything happening on campus and the pandemic first took over everyone’s’ lives. And it was not until recently that things have gotten under control and our lives have returned to normal and we are seeing events and communities come back together. Battle of the Neighborhoods is one of the events has returned to campus this year following its hiatus since COVID-19.
Battle of the Neighborhoods is a week-long event that has the intention of bringing all of the residential communities on campus together with some fun and friendly competition. This event was hosted from Monday April 15th through Friday April 19th. Activities included laser tag showdowns, kickball and dodgeball games, scavenger hunts, and a cornhole tournament to finish out the week of festivities. The Office of Student Engagement planned this event for the end of the semester to help celebrate the end of classes and bring everyone together one last time before summer break. It was also a chance for everyone to show the bonds they have created with their friends over the years, in and out of their neighborhoods. Student Engagement also advertised the event by enticing students, “Those who sign-up for their team and participate in at least one event receive a Battle of the Neighborhoods t-shirt to commemorate the event!”
Because of COVID-19, a Battle of the Neighborhoods has not happened for several years, but in the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year, a Battle of the First-Year Halls took place which gave freshman an opportunity to connect with those they are living with and help them experience other places on campus. The winner of that battle was Sherill Hall. Lastly to round out the community-based competitions, members of Greek Life participated in Greek Week during the first week of April; Greek Life members participated in a kickball tournament, a spelling bee, a hot wings eating contest, as well as tradition of competing for the title of Mr. Hobart during the annual Mr. Hobart Pageant.
When asked about the Battle of the Neighborhoods, Director of Student Engagement Jenna Terrell stated that, “We hope that this will become a long standing tradition that students look forward to year after year.” While none of the events are mandatory, all students were encouraged to participate in this year’s events. The Office of Student Engagement also stated that the winner of Battle of the Neighborhoods would receive a trophy that is displayed within the office and a picture to commemorate the winning team. “The winning neighborhood will receive bragging rights for the next year as being the best Neighborhood,” Terrell stated while also adding that the framed picture of the winner will only be changed the following year when the battle takes place again and a new winner is crowned “the Best Neighborhood.” As of this year, the Mini Quad successfully took the title and have claimed their spot on the wall.