A 43-year tradition continues at Hesston College’s annual Thanksgiving Weekend: A Family Celebration Nov. 25 to 27.
The Hesston College tradition of bringing prospective students as well as families of current students to campus during Thanksgiving Weekend began as a prospective student visit weekend in 1967.
With only three weeks between Thanksgiving and the end of the semester, the weekend allows students to be with family without traveling home for two holidays in such a short time. About half of Hesston’s 448 students come from 29 states outside of Kansas. On average, going home for those students could mean a 15-hour trip one way.
“We want to introduce Hesston to prospective students, including siblings of current students who have interest in possibly attending when they are ready for college,” said Alumni and Church Relations director Dallas Stutzman.
“Hesston wants to provide opportunities to parents and families of current students to interact with the college community and see how their student is doing in their college-home environment.”
The college organizes events for people of all ages, including a traditional Thanksgiving meal, music concerts, a talent show, men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, a two-mile run/walk, a luminary walk at Dyck Arboretum and trips to Druber’s Donuts and Newell’s restaurant in Newton, two favorites among Hesston College students.
“Hesston rolls out the red carpet with a wide variety of activities and events, great food and experiences that remind us all to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy during this special holiday weekend,” said Stutzman.
The weekend attracts dozens of prospective students to campus for their taste of the “Hesston College experience.” A charter bus brings students and families from Ohio every year.
The Admissions department plans campus visits for each student including meetings with faculty members, athletic recruiting events for soccer and volleyball players, music scholarship auditions and the chance to spend time with current students, meet potential future classmates and see what being a Hesston College student is like.
Stutzman reports that based on numbers from previous years, nearly 500 visitors, including about 60 prospective students, are expected on campus throughout the weekend.
Some Thanksgiving weekend traditions of special interest include the traditional Thanksgiving buffet prepared by Hesston College Food Service and served by faculty and staff members. The dinner will be served from 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 25 in Bontrager Student Center. Reservations are required.
A choral concert focusing on the tradition of Christian hymn singing in choir and congregational settings will be performed by the Hesston College Chorale and Bel Canto Singers at 8 p.m. Nov. 25 in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. Music faculty member Bradley Kauffman will conduct the choir.
Current students, faculty and staff will display their talents through song, skits and video at a 10 p.m. talent show Nov. 25 in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary.
The 19th Annual Thanksgiving Run – The Howard Hustle two-mile run/walk will be Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. The entry fee before Nov. 17 is $15. Call 620-327-8277 to register.
The men’s and women’s basketball teams will host Brown Mackie College (Salina, Kan.), Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kan.) junior varsity, Northern Oklahoma College-Enid, Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.) junior varsity and Labette Community College (Parsons, Kan.) for the American Family Insurance/Greg Raleigh Agency tournament Nov. 26 and 27.
A complete weekend schedule and registration information can be found on the Hesston College website or by calling 800-995-2757.
Located 30 miles north of Wichita, Hesston College is the two-year liberal arts college of Mennonite Church USA.