Signature Events and Traditions at 稳定的十大彩票网站

At Kennesaw State, traditions and signature events tell our shared story to bring us together as an engaged and caring community. Through campus traditions such as Week of Welcome, Slap the Rock, Scrappy Hour, Homecoming, Pumpkin Launch, and 稳定的十大彩票网站 Day, students learn about what connects and grounds us as a campus community, inspiring their own journey of self-discovery and purpose.

Weeks of Welcome

Join the 稳定的十大彩票网站 community and participate in several exciting events to kick off the new semester! All Weeks of Welcome events are free to current students upon presenting a Talon Card. It is a great opportunity to check  lots of items off your Scrappy's Bucket List. 

WOW Events
weeks of welcome

Fall Signature Events

First-Year Convocation and Splash Bash

First-Year Convocation event

First-Year Convocation and Splash Bash is the official welcome to 稳定的十大彩票网站 for all new FLIGHT students! Meet other FLIGHT students in your class, take your class photo, hear from 稳定的十大彩票网站 administration, and then enjoy Splash Bash on the Campus Green afterward! Make sure to wear your FLIGHT jersey. 

First Day Cake and Stuff-an-Owl

First year cake

It's not Weeks of Welcome without our Annual First Day of School Cake with the President AND Stuff-an-Owl! Stop by on the first day of classes in August to grab a slice of cake with President Schwaig. The Stuff-an-Owl event takes place during Weeks of Welcome in Fall and Spring. 
 
 
 
 

Scrappy Hour

Scrappy Hour

Enjoy a break between classes with your favorite Owl with an ice cream float and take home a Scrappy Hour souvenir cup. During the winter months, you can enjoy a cookie and hot chocolate.

  • 1st and 3rd Thursdays in Kennesaw (Student Center)
  • 2nd and 4th Thursdays in Marietta (Atrium Building)
  • Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Scrappy Hour Events

FLIGHT Runout

FLIGHT runout

The Annual FLIGHT Runout takes place during the first home opener 稳定的十大彩票网站 Owls football game of the season. First-Year students wear their FLIGHT jerseys and run across the field before the 稳定的十大彩票网站 Owls football team storms the field. This is a once in a lifetime experience that new students do not want to miss. 

Homecoming

Scrappy with the homecoming parliament winner

Experience the excitement of 稳定的十大彩票网站's Homecoming #稳定的十大彩票网站HOCO - a week filled with spirited celebrations, Owl Cup competitions, Homecoming Parliament, and a true sense of community. Don your school colors, join the festivities, and create lasting memories with friends. Hooty Hoo! 

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Pumpkin Launch

ksu students at the pumpkin launch event.

Pumpkin Launch, a Kennesaw State University event that began over a decade ago, is a fierce competition for mechanical engineering students in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET). Spectators can watch teams launch their pumpkins from trebuchets across the Marietta Soccer Field to see who can smash their pumpkins the furthest.

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Spring Signature Events

Geek Week

Students playing quiditch during geek week.

Welcome to Geek Week, a celebration of all the joy that comes from gaming, robots, cosplay, math, comics, and more! Each year, Kennesaw State hosts a number of events, including Owl Con, across both campuses that seek to engage the inner and outer geeks among the 稳定的十大彩票网站 community. All events are free for students and most are open to community members as well.

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稳定的十大彩票网站 Day

students on the ferris wheel at ksu day.

Spring is more than a time for finals and commencement, it’s also time for the 稳定的十大彩票网站 community to gather and celebrate with a pair of fun days of activities – 稳定的十大彩票网站 Day. 稳定的十大彩票网站 Day dates to the early days of the institution when it was known as Kennesaw Junior College.

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稳定的十大彩票网站 Day of Service

day of service

稳定的十大彩票网站 Day of Service includes students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members serving together at many sites. Everyone can find an opportunity to fit their interests!

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More 稳定的十大彩票网站 Traditions

Scrappy Owl Mascot

scrappy owl mascot

The embodiment of 稳定的十大彩票网站 — he’s loyal, confident, and a little smug. Scrappy has been 稳定的十大彩票网站’s beloved owl for years, and he’s always ready to welcome you with open wings and Owl Eyes.

Hooty Hoo and Owl Eyes

owl eyes hooty hoo

Used as a greeting, exclamation, or battle cry, yelling “Hooty Hoo!” is our favorite way to show everyone 稳定的十大彩票网站’s radiant energy and relentless spirit

Owl Eyes, coined by our very own Scrappy the Owl, serve as a symbol that unifies us without having to say anything at all.

Black and Gold Fridays

black and gold fridays

On the day that Kennesaw State unveiled its inaugural football uniforms, it also included an official declaration that every Friday will be "Black and Gold Friday". Students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community are encouraged to wear black and gold to display their school spirit.

War Chant

Originating from the Marching Owls in 2015, hear and yell this chant at every game.

You don't want to go to war,

With the Owls.

With the Owls! 

You don't want to go to war,

With the Owls.

With the Owls! 

Scrappy's Bucket List

Can you complete 63 before your degree? Finding new ways to get involved on campus is easy with Scrappy's Bucket List (SBL)! With over 100+ items on the list, including Scrappy Selfies, attending events on this page, and other activities on campus, students will experience everything 稳定的十大彩票网站 has to offer outside of the classroom. The 63 signifies the year Kennesaw State was founded in 1963. 

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Family Weekend

Family Weekend is a celebration of academics, athletics, entertainment, and involvement at 稳定的十大彩票网站. Parents and family members come together for a jam-packed weekend of fun events. 

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Student Affairs Awards

In 2016, the Division created the Student Affairs Awards Ceremony to honor their outstanding achievements and recognize exemplary commitment to Kennesaw State University. The Student Affairs mission states, “our students will achieve success through practical application of knowledge by becoming engaged ethical leaders who serve their local and global communities.” The ceremony is the embodiment of that practical application and provides an opportunity to applaud the success of many individuals and programs.

Student Affairs Student Awards & Selection Criteria

The Student Affairs Student Awards consists of four categories-leadership, connections and belonging, civic engagement, and community and school spirit. Each category will have an award recipient for one student, one student group (registered student organization, fraternity, sorority, intramural team, club sport team, group sponsored by a department), and one program/event. 

The minimum qualifications for all nominees include: good academic standing (student), good standing with regard to conduct (student, student organization/group), good standing with sponsoring department (student organization/group).

Nominations for 2025 Student Affairs Student Leadership Awards will open in Spring 2025.

For more information about each award and the selection criteria, please see below.

Awards

  • This award is designed to recognize one student, student group, and event/program which best exemplifies the Division's emphasis on leadership development. Strong nominees for this award will demonstrate the following behaviors and accomplishments:

    • Positions held within organization/group
    • Positive impact within organization/group
    • Created sustained legacy

  • This award was created to celebrate one student, student group, and event/program that has a genuine dedication to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive campus. Strong nominees for this award will demonstrate the following behaviors and accomplishments:

    • Demonstrating cultural awareness and competence
    • Encouraging a sense of belonging among peers
    • Commitment to an inclusive community

    All student nominees will be considered for the Student of the Year or Emerging Leader of the Year. All student group nominees will be considered for the Student Group of the Year award. All event nominees will be considered for the Student Event of the Year award.

  • This award acknowledges one student, student group, and event/program that models extraordinary commitment to voluntary service on campus and int he greater local and global community. Strong nominees for this award will demonstrate the following behaviors and accomplishments:

    • Volunteering with intent for social change
    • Advocating for social issues within campus and the surrounding community
    • Demonstrating a strong sense of civic duty and democratic engagement

    All student nominees will be considered for the Student of the Year or Emerging Leader of the Year. All student group nominees will be considered for the Student Group of the Year award. All event nominees will be considered for the Student Event of the Year award.

  • This award is presented to one student, student group, and event/program that devoted time and passion to exhibiting the vision and values of Kennesaw State University while contributing to an engaging dynamic campus culture. Strong nominees for this award will demonstrate the following behaviors and accomplishments:

    • Support for campus programs, events, and initiatives
    • Increasing a sense of school spirit among peers
    • Inspire and renew pride in campus community

    All student nominees will be considered for the Student of the Year or Emerging Leader of the Year. All student group nominees will be considered for the Student Group of the Year award. All event nominees will be considered for the Student Event of the Year award.

  • This award is presented to one student, student group, and event/program that demonstrates a commitment to innovative programming, ideas, and initiatives for the student body. Strong nominees for this award will demonstrate the following behaviors and accomplishments:

    • Providing new and exciting program, initiative, or project for the campus community
    • Partnering with another group to implement program, initiative, or project
    • Finding creative methods for meaningful student engagement within organization

    All student nominees will be considered for the Student of the Year or Emerging Leader of the Year. All student group nominees will be considered for the Student Group of the Year award. All event nominees will be considered for the Student Event of the Year award.

  • This award is given annually to a junior, senior, or graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding overall service and scholarship for the benefit of the Kennesaw State community during their collegiate career. The ideal nominee will have demonstrated a profound commitment to the Division of Student Affairs values of Integrity, Inclusion, Community, Discovery, and Civility.
  • This award is bestowed annually upon a first- or second-year student who has shown dedication to involvement in the Kennesaw State community. The ideal nominee will have demonstrated initiation, motivation, and potential for student leadership. 
  • This award is given annually to a student group that is true to its stated mission and works hard to live out its purpose on campus. In addition, this is an inclusive organization which has excelled in the recruitment and retention of its membership, provided consistent means of leadership development, collaborated with other student groups, and participated in 稳定的十大彩票网站 programming. The ideal nominee will have demonstrated a profound commitment to the Division of Student Affairs values of Integrity, Inclusion, Community, Discovery, and Civility. 
  • This award is presented annually to the Kennesaw State employee who advises/supervises a student group. The ideal nominee will have demonstrated exceptional organizational advisement, personal mentoring, and leadership development among students. 
  • This award is given annually to an event/program that embodies Kennesaw State spirit through its commitment to leadership development, collaboration among groups, and programmatic efforts to enhance the quality of campus life. The ideal nominee will have a profound connection to the Division of Student Affairs values of Integrity, Inclusion, Community, Discovery, and Civility.

Previous Winners

  • RECIPIENT AWARD
    Kimberly Smith Civic Engagement Award, Student
    稳定的十大彩票网站 Service Fellowship

    Civic Engagement Award, Program or Event
    EcoOwls: Students for Sustainability

    Civic Engagement Award, Student Group 
    Amiyah Richardson Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, Student
    Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.

    Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Award, Program or Event
    American Medical Student Association

    Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Award, Student Group
    Jaida Jenkins

    Community and School Spirit Award, Student
    Coles Ambassadors for Student Success

    Community and School Spirit Award, Student Group
    Anthony Harrison

    Innovation Award, Student
    EcoOwls: Students for Sustainability

    Innovation Award, Program or Event
    CPS Peer Counselors

    Innovation Award, Student Group
    Christian Gehrke

    Student Affairs Leadership Award, Student
    Coles Ambassadors for Student Success

    Student Affairs Leadership Award, Student Group

    Gabrielle Jones 

    Summer Williams 

    Krishna Naraparaju 

    Jalon Bailey

    Anindita Deb

    Katelyn Sinnott

    Scrappy’s Bucket List Award

    Sierra McHugh-Bryan

    Chelsea Holness

    Diamond Thompson

    OwlsServe Award

    Coles Ambassadors for Student Success

    Student Program of the Year Award Recipient

    American Medical Student Association

    Student Group of the Year

    Dr. Gail Scott

    Student Group Advisor/Supervisor of the Year

    Esmeralda Rangel

    Emerging Leader Award

    Summer Williams

    Student of the Year
  • RECIPIENT AWARD
    Emory Roy  Civic Engagement Award, Student
    EcoOwls Civic Engagement Award, Student Group
    Yoshi Castro Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, Student
    Student Nurses Association  Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, Group
    Brown Sound and Latin Soul, hosted by Sigma Lambda Upsilon Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.  Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, Event/Program
    Sahil Bardai Community and School Spirit, Student
    Adopt-A-Stream Community and School Spirit, Group
    Sofia Torres Emerging Leader Award
    Astrid Cuellar Benitez  Innovation, Student
    Public Relations Student Society of America Innovation, Group
    Nicole Brock Student Affairs Leadership
    Salsa with the Señoritas, hosted by Sigma Lambda Upsilon/ Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc Student Program of the Year
    The Night Owls Student Group of the Year
    Leslie Holmes Minor, Student Nursing Association  Student Group Advisor of the Year
    Ryan Waltman Student Leader of the Year
  • RECIPIENT AWARD
    JayP Powell Civic Engagement Award, Student
    Thomas Cassidy Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, Student
    Black Musicians Coalition Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, Group
    The Blueprint Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, Event/Program
    Jake Stevens Community and School Spirit, Student
    Black Storm Cheer Squad Community and School Spirit, Group
    Sabrina Ridgley-Thornton Innovation, Student
    Esports and Gaming Club Innovation, Group
    Frankie Berryman Student Affairs Leadership
    The Blueprint Student Program of the Year
    Black Musicians Coalition Student Group of the Year
    Chuck Colin Student Group Advisor of the Year
    Zae Brewer Emerging Leader
    Thomas Cassidy Student Leader of the Year
  • RECIPIENT AWARD
    Karen DSouza Student of the Year
    Sigma Lambda Upsilon Organization of the Year
    "Students' Voices" hosted by K-Pop Club and Korean Language Club Event of the Year
    Maya Parr Student Affairs Leadership Award, Student
    Student Government Association Student Affairs Leadership Award, Organization
    Amani Johnson Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Award, Student
    International Student Association Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Award, Organization
    Havan Temesghen Civic Engagement Award, Student
    Civic Engagement Team Civic Engagement Award, Organization
    Eunice Cuffie Community and School Spirit Award, Student
    Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Community and School Spirit Award, Organization