Join the Fun! Campus Activities and College Clubs at Grace

By Elizabeth West (BA 26)

College students jump around to keep warm in the chilly night air. It’s Ritter’s Night, an annual tradition at Grace College where Grace students can get a scoop of custard for $1. I stand with my friends in the line wrapped around the shop, playing silly games and telling jokes to pass the time. The employees won’t start scooping until 10 p.m., but we’ve been waiting since 9:15 p.m. so we could score a parking spot. The event is simple, but the energy is high. This is what Grace’s campus life is all about: spending time in community. 

It’s true that college is a time of preparation for the future. This includes choosing a major, taking classes, completing internships, and preparing to enter the workforce. But there’s also a need for building friendships and engaging in fun campus activities.

And can we let you in on a little secret? A thriving Christian campus culture doesn’t just happen. It is cultivated. At Grace College, we are committed to cultivating activities for college students that embrace diversity, celebrate service, and channel the unique gifts and abilities of our students. One of the ways we accomplish this is through our campus clubs and student-led organizations. 

Grace has some amazing campus traditions, intramurals, and clubs, including:

SAB (Student Activities Board)

Do you enjoy planning events? Are you a detail-oriented person? If so, SAB is right for you! As a leader of SAB, you’ll get paid to organize and advertise campus activities for college students and community-building events. SAB desires to give students opportunities to meet new friends and have a fun campus experience. Don’t miss Open Mic nights, our Fall and Christmas Extravaganzas, a campus-wide Easter egg hunt, and more! Contact Elli Holm for details at holme@grace.edu. 

Luke Nier, a recent Grace College graduate, reminisced on one of his favorite campus activities: “One specific event for me would be Spikes Night during my freshman and sophomore year. I loved being able to play sand volleyball, hang out with friends, and eat good food. The community felt so close because of how many people I knew there.”

Together We Belong

Directed by Professor Cokeisha Bailey Robinson, the goal of this club is to celebrate the heritage and empowerment of minority groups. Together We Belong includes Black Student Association, Esperanza Latina, Asian Student Heritage, and Native American Student Group. These groups seek to educate others about each of these groups as well as create an environment that is diverse in culture and practice. All are welcome to participate! Email robinsclb@grace.edu for more information. 

GIP (Grace Intramural Program)

Do you want to play sports without the pressure of a collegiate team? The Grace Intramural Program could be the right place for you. GIP offers volleyball, flag football, basketball, spikeball, ultimate frisbee, pickleball, futsal, disc golf, and soccer. They also offer a ski outing in the spring! Email Leah Beck at beckl@grace.edu to get involved.

Student Senate

Do you desire to be a voice for students on campus? Student Senate is the right place for you! Student senate leaders are involved in making campus decisions, meeting with campus administration, holding open town halls for students to suggest changes, and overseeing college clubs. The student body president is elected by a student vote each year. If you’re looking for an extra-curricular that will serve as a springboard for leadership roles to come, look no further! Email senate@grace.edu for more information.

&Action

If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities, &Action is the club for you! This group is in charge of our annual Supermarket Sweep event, where students raise money and collaborate with the local Kroger to stock food pantries. &Action also hosts FunFest, a free trick-or-treat style event open to the public where families can enjoy games, snacks, prizes, and more, all organized and staffed by &Action and volunteers. Talk to Madi McCune for to learn about more &Action opportunities at mccunem@grace.edu!

Grace Outdoors

Coming to Grace College means you can enjoy greenway walking trails or an afternoon on the lake at any time you please. Why not take it up a notch and enjoy those campus activities with other people? Grace Outdoors offers fun-filled recreational experiences such as mountain biking, paddle boarding, and camping. Weekend trips are available for extended outdoor fun! Grace Outdoors provides opportunities for team-building, enjoying God’s creation, and making new friends. If you’re interested in more information, email Matt Metzger at matt.metzger@grace.edu.

Sounding Board Newspaper

Extra, extra, read all about it! The Sounding Board newspaper is for those who enjoy writing. You can cover a myriad of topics that are relevant to life at Grace, from campus happenings to current events! If you want to practice your writing skills in a professional setting and get constructive feedback from editors, then the Sounding Board is the right place for you. Please contact Faith Bales at balesfe@grace.edu for more information.

ROOTS Magazine

The ROOTS Magazine is Grace College’s very own yearbook publication. If you enjoy designing, photography, or photo editing, this is the right place for you! Each semester, ROOTS publishes a high-quality magazine that captures the highlights of the semester and the unique culture of Grace College. And we must say, the product is phenomenal. Interested? Reach out to editor-in-chief Parkyr Lowin at lowinp@grace.edu. 

Music Groups

For those looking for a musical outlet, there are a variety of groups to choose from. Our wind, string, and guitar ensembles play several concerts open to the community throughout the year, and our Lancer Chorus provides opportunities for singers to learn a wide repertoire of music. The Lancer Pep Band plays at many home basketball games to hype up our Lancers. And don’t forget our chapel worship teams which serve on a rotation and lead worship for students, including midnight chapel. Interested in any of these groups? Email music@grace.edu for all inquiries.

Create Your Own Club!

If you’re interested in providing new opportunities for students on campus, feel free to reach out to studentsenate@grace.edu for information on how to start a club. All you’ll need to do is find a faculty mentor, fill out an interest form, create a budget plan, and meet with the Student Senate to have your club approved. It’s that easy!

College is about more than studying. While earning your degree, you are also developing relationships and memories that can last a lifetime. Choose a college like Grace that fosters this kind of healthy community, founded on engaging campus activities and clubs that bring people together.

At Grace, it is our greatest passion to champion you and encourage you to follow your vision. Reach out to our student involvement team or read our blog to see more club opportunities. If one of these campus activities or college clubs speaks to you, we encourage you to come to join us and apply today!