Keeping alive a Lee University tradition, about 1,200 students from 17 residence halls are set to vie for the title of "Dorm Wars Champions," Monday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m., at the Paul Dana Walker Arena.
The nearly-20-year-old annual event of dorm pride and university spirit organized by the residential life department is expanding its scope this year and reaching out to help 17 different charities.
“Each Residence hall is representing a charity in hopes of providing awareness and financial support to those organizations,” said Katherine Gilliard, the chair of the Dorm Wars Leadership Team.
The organizations include: Crossover Ministries, Morton Missions in Paraguay, The Caring Place, Bethlehem Center, Invisible Children, Jeff Robinette Leukemia Foundation, Habitat for Humanity-Cleveland chapter, Haven Place, The Emergency Cleveland Shelter, Blythe-Bower Elementary School, Ronald McDonald House in Chattanooga, Cleveland YMCA through the United Way, Family Violence Center, Chambliss Shelter, One Heart Missions (Haiti), World Vision, and support to a family adopting children from the Philippines.
“Each residence hall is united in its support for the organization they have chosen to represent," said Shannon Balram, resident director of Livingston Hall. "It’s not just about competing in Dorm Wars, but having students inspired to serve a cause that is beyond themselves. Therefore, each dorm has committed itself to serve locally through a service project in support of the organization they are representing. Ms. Balram also said that this addition has created a deeper sense of purpose in this event.
Dorm Wars is considered to be one of the largest campus events and it involves both students and staff. Students from Frontline (a campus visitation day for high school seniors) are also going to be in attendance this year. The event culminates with the crowning of a male and a female dorm wars champion.
Contact Shannon Balram at 614-6042, or shannonbalram@leeuniversity.edu for further information.