Keeping the Spirit Event Memorable
for SC Students
Winfield,
Kan., Aug. 12, 2022 — Southwestern College students, faculty, and staff
continued a more than 100-year tradition on Friday with the annual painting of
the SC rocks on the hill east of Jantz Stadium.
The
event, “Keeping the Spirit,” was an opportunity for first year Moundbuilders,
including new president Liz Frombgen, to experience one of Southwestern’s many
rich traditions.
“The
Builder Family is so fortunate to share in many unique traditions that help
define Southwestern,” Frombgen says. “Shared experiences like painting
the SC rocks and the Moundbuilding Ceremony create opportunities for meaningful
connection to one another, our physical campus, and our rich history. These
moments make us proud to be Builders.”
The
tradition began in 1918 when first-year men were charged with painting the “S”
north of town while female students prepared a picnic. Southwestern
students became frustrated as students from a rival school would come to
Winfield and change the letter from an “S” to an “F.” So the college added the
letter C and in 1965 The “SC” was moved into town, to its current site.
The tradition had faded away, but was brought back to life in 2016 and has
remained a staple of the Builderfest activities.
Lily
Blankenship, freshman from Spiro, Okla., and Kirsten Kizer, freshman from
Kellyville, Okla., were looking forward to the event.
“I
love this, I am a big tradition person,” Kizer says. “I think it is really cool
that other students see it like I do. Feels like I am already home.”
“I
am excited, I think it is a fun event, and we get to paint,” Blankenship says.
