Every spring semester, Simpson College cancels classes for Campus Day. This tradition began in 1889, and gives students, faculty and staff a chance to come together and help the community through service projects. Campus Day has seen some changes over the years, but its purpose of bringing people together and giving back to the community is still the same.
Director of New Student Programs & Community Engagement Tayler Keitzer is the staff member who primarily helps organize Campus Day.
“Campus Day long ago used to be a surprise for students,” Keitzer said. “Staff would wake them up with bells and knock on doors in their dorms. There was no warning.”
The event was later changed to allow for more planning in terms of the projects students could do off campus.
“It was better for the community to get rid of that,” Keitzer explained. “Now we can plan ahead and get more out of Campus Day.”
The location of the work is another change from years past. Previously, most activities were on campus, but now many projects take place in the community, helping organizations and neighborhoods nearby.
This year, more than 730 students, faculty and staff worked on different service projects.
Keitzer said Campus Day has many benefits.
“It helps students meet new people and get out of the Simpson bubble,” she said. “They can build relationships with people in town.”
Some groups also work with Simpson alumni, which helps strengthen those connections.
“We want to show the community we care and want to do good,” she added.
However, organizing such a big event is not easy.
“The weather is the hardest part,” Keitzer said. “Also, organizing all the projects and figuring out where everyone is going.”
With the amount of students, faculty and staff, clear communication is very important. Each group needs to be informed of where to go and what supplies to bring so the day runs smoothly.
Students are also involved in the operations of Campus Day. Sophomore Class President Tristan Blair leads the Community Connection Committee (CCC) alongside First-Year Class President Edward Kent. CCC helped get students ready for the event.
“We make sure students sign up, get their T-shirts and know what to expect,” Blair said.
Though, getting students involved can sometimes be difficult.
“The hardest part is getting students who aren’t athletes involved—people who mostly just go to class,” Blair explained.
However, many students still take part each year and enjoy the experience once they join.
For Blair, Campus Day made a big impact.
“It was my first year last year, and it was eye opening,” he said. “Seeing so many people come together and helping the community made it a great day.”
Campus Day is not just a day without class, it is a chance for the Simpson community to work together, get to know the community better and make a difference for them. Even though Campus Day is changing over time, it will continue to be an important and meaningful tradition for Simpson College.
