By Joseph Knight

CIU Student Writer

With banners, t-shirts, painted faces, and cheers, Columbia International University students competed in the annual, weeklong Shofar Cup Competition. The friendly competition is part of what is known as "The House Collective," an effort that encourages unity and ministry within residence halls  The campus was alight with excitement the week of March 19 as students accumulated points for one of the six CIU houses: Veritas, Dignitas, Fidelitas, Virtus, Justitia, or Sapientia. Each “House” is represented by a residence hall with the big prize, the House Cup, awarded to the house with the highest number of points at the end of the school year.

The House of Virtus kicked off the week with a win at the TRIVIA BOWL in Hoke auditorium. Tuesday night, the Rossi Student Center was transformed by twinkling lights and freshly-brewed coffee to host a COFFEEHOUSE event celebrating the arts. The Houses of Veritas and Virtus took home points from this event with impressive poetry, art and photography submissions. On Wednesday night, the House of Fidelitas won the COOK-OFF competition with their succulent cuisine offerings. The House of Virtus triumphed on Friday afternoon at the first ever REBEL RACE, a Spartan-race style adventure run through CIU’s campus and woods.

The week concluded Saturday night with the annual ACOUSTAROCKARAPAPAPALOOZASTOCKFEST, a talent show on the stage of Shortess Chapel showcasing all types of CIU giftings: from Scottish dancing and musical performances to improv segments. At the close of the event, CIU Residence Life Director David Blanchard awarded the coveted Shofar Cup trophy to the House of Virtus amidst raucous cheering and celebration.

Sophomore Ireland Kost from the House of Dignitas was excited to see members of her house “do crazy things for house points at the Rebel Race.” And even though his House of Sapientia didn’t take home the trophy, senior Matt Ussery said that witnessing members of his house coming together to compete was his favorite part of the week.

Get in on the excitement! CIU is experiencing growth in enrollment and has announced $25 million in expansion plans for the campus. CIU is accredited by SACS-COC. Information on CIU programs and enrollment is available here or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.