125 Years 1895-2020 is bound and knotted together by the love that each person has for their Savior, His people and the world. The residential life of campus provides the context for powerful memories and transformational growth, and sharing life together has always provided students with memorable stories to tell and re-tell. Many alumni share fond memories of “bread parties” where students gathered over freshly baked bread in Burke-Griffeth halls. Those parties now take the form of themed Late-Night Breakfasts on the last night of classes or barbeques on the patio of the Hilyard Apartments. Resident Assistants (RAs) build community and provide accountability to the mission of the University as a place for students to grow in their faith. While we’ve lost the “houses” through the years that once provided aspects of group identity, bonding over dorm identity remains a special part of campus life, particularly when dorm pride is on the line in Hall Music Videos competition. While some traditions, such as “tubbings”, initiations in the Millrace, candle passings and “stand-up concerts” have been long absent from campus, other long-standing traditions live on. The Bash-Whisler Bible Reading contest has been bringing the Word to life for many years and winners still experience the joy that comes from the memorizing and declaration of Scripture. Some new traditions have become campus favorites as well, including Beacon Madness and Mr. Beacon—two can’t-miss events that bring the whole student body together. Student passions and interests have always been a driving force in the evolution of campus life. Student journalism has taken many forms over the years, whether published in student newspapers, yearbooks, literary journals, or online publications. The Gleam, The Northwest Christian, The Crusader, The Mishpat and The Beacon Bolt reflect each generation’s passions and concerns as they tell the ongoing NCU student story. Student clubs have continued to serve as places of shared interest, sometimes bringing students with shared heritage or geography together. The “California Club” and “Idaho Club” helped out-of-state students feel more at home in years gone by, while the current Pacific Islander Club provides students the opportunity to celebrate their shared ethnic and cultural roots.
Campus Follies, early 20th Century
California Club, 1960’s
Another constant throughout NCU history has been the role of student government. Elected students share significant Continued on page 26
Mr. Beacon at Beacon Madness, 2000’s
The Beacon | Winter 2020
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