By Naomi Balk

CIU Student Writer

Hoke Auditorium could hardly contain the energy at the 2018 Throwdown signally the beginning of the annual House Collective.

The Throwdown is a series of competitive performances where each house or residence hall offers a five-minute presentation of their house and what they represent.

“It’s a time where you begin to see the houses come together and deep bonds being formed,” said senior Tate Phillips.

The House of Virtus, a men’s residence hall, took first place, but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the other houses.

Residence Life Director Ethan Young said he can’t wait for the other house cup events later in the school year.

“It was an amazing way to kick off the house collective,” said Young. “I loved the noise.”

Prior to the Throwdown there was a cookout on The Quad that included volleyball and other outdoor games. Music played, people fellowshipped, and students bought shirts emblazoned with their house emblem.  

Viewing the activity on The Quad, sophomore Ruth Weaver pronounced, “This is CIU.”

“In some ways this sums up CIU community,” Weaver added. “Some people are having fun, others in deep conversations. It is so cool to see people of different houses mingling with each other in their different house shirts.”

Young, the residence life director, agreed.

“Our ministry revolves around being involved in relationship and investing into other’s spiritual formation.”

Excitement is building on the CIU campus with a dramatic increase in enrollment and on-campus renovations. Information on enrollment is available here or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.