Handing out 85 golden towels

Handing out 85 golden towels
  
On Friday, February 11, a record number of students (85) will be eligible to put on a coveted "golden towel," the prize awarded to any person at Calvin who participates in the Sem Pond Jump for four consecutive years.
  
Last year 564 people joined in the annual Calvin tradition of jumping into a below-freezing pond in February. While the majority joined together to jump in the Seminary Pond on campus, others continued the tradition across the country (as far as the state of Washington) and overseas (as far as Spain and Japan).
  
Event organizers say that they've heard from someone who put ice water in his bathtub and poured a cold bucket of water over his head because he couldn't find a nearby place to cut through the ice, while others took the plunge together in the Mediterranean Sea.
  
"We try to be inclusive with all our traditions," said Norm Zylstra, who coordinates the uKnight Week activities.
  
The Sem Pond Jump is just one tradition in a full lineup of activities designed for students during uKnight week, which runs February 4 through February 12, 2011.
  
"It's a way to build school spirit and loyalty," said Zylstra. "It's a righteous ruckus ... Students have a lot of fun in a very healthy way."
  
Calvin traditions during uKnight week include the following: an improv show, a dance and the fan-favorite lip-syncing competition, Airband. In addition, there will be a concert featuring Glenn Bulthuis and the Tonedeafs, the premiere of a documentary produced by media production students, and a number of athletic events, among other activities.
  
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.calvin.edu/alumni/uknightweek or contact Norm Zylstra at 616-526-6835.
  
-end-
 
Received on Fri Feb 4 09:26:27 2011