Culinary masterpieces. That’s what Columbia International University students were cooking up in the CIU Dining Room as they gathered for a Cookoff at the opening night of Shofar Cup Week.

The Shofar Cup is a part of The House Collective that includes year-round “House” or dorm  competitions and events where house members compete to win points to earn the title of House Victors. Every student is assigned to one of seven houses: Sapientia, Aequitas, Justitia, Virtus, Veritas, Fidelitas and Dignitas. Each house has its unique identity, traditions, colors and crest.

“That extra oomph”

For the Cookoff, all seven houses had to make an appetizer, entree, and dessert to present to the judges. Various foods from different cultures showcased the international aspect of CIU. Foods such as pasta, soups, kabobs, and parfaits were made to show the culinary expertise of each house.

The Cookoff victor was Virtus. Charlie Koverman, a senior, has been a chef for Virtus for the last three years. He said he had to step up his food presentation this year to secure the win.

“I made sure that the pork ramen, that was most of the judges' favorite dish tonight, was plated well and seasoned well and had that extra oomph that everyone is looking for,” Koverman said. 

The “Art” of Sewing   

The following evening’s event, Coffee House, was a night of the arts. Instrumental music played as students browsed the various genres of art. Those who submitted art earned points for their houses. The judges gave bonus points to the top three submissions, which included paintings, photography, pottery, and even clothing.

Bethany Rowe, a senior in the house of Aequitas, placed in the top three with a dress that she designed.

“It took me about a week or two to do it,” Rowe said. “I was still first learning how to sew when I was making it, but I’m pretty proud of the way it turned out, and it has pockets!”

A Real Feud at the Feud

Night three of Shofar Cup Week challenged the houses’ wits in a competitive game of House Feud, the CIU version of Family Feud. Those representing their houses came dressed in themes by wearing jerseys, suits and ties, pajamas, and costumes such as the Queen of Hearts.

It wouldn’t be House Feud without a bit of controversy. In the final round, Justitia and Fidelitas faced off to answer the question, “What is the first video game that comes to mind when you think of C23?” Fidelitas said “UNO,” but it was deemed an unofficial answer. Fidelitas went on to officially answer the question and earned a win for their house. Marithe Yolinga, who gave the winning answer, was elated about her house’s win.

“I feel super great,” said Yolinga. “I really wasn’t expecting it, but I’m so glad that we were able to come out here and win like we were supposed to.”

Dodge that ball!

The stakes were high at the final event of the week: dodgeball. Each house paired with their brother and sister houses to compete as a joined force. Aequitas, because of its uniqueness in being composed of both men and women in separate quarters, was the smallest house competing. Tiara Batterman, women’s RA of Aequitas, was proud of how her team came together to overcome the odds and secured second place.

“I loved to see how my team came together,” said Batterman. “It was a little last minute. We don't have a lot of people and honestly it was really fun. It’s a little bit of a mixed group of guys and girls, but honestly, I just loved getting the chance to play alongside them.”  

Veritas and Virtus were the dodgeball winners, but congratulations go to the House of Veritas as the Shofar Cup Week overall champ.

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