Contact Info
Christy Rowden, Director of Student Engagement
Our Activities and Traditions
Evangel has been home to thousands of students before you who had great experiences and created timeless traditions that only get better with time.
Within your first few hours at Evangel, you’ll experience our vibrant campus culture and, more importantly, make it a part of your own EU story.

IgNIGHT
EU Launch is a 5-day experience that welcomes new freshmen and transfer students to the EU community, and igNIGHT signifies the beginning of the new school year for the entire student body. The night before classes start, students march from the residence halls, led by the drum line and cheerleaders, under the clock tower and toward the quad.
There, the university president and the student body president address the EU community, setting the tone for the upcoming year. Students light candles and pass the flame to signify their own unique contributions to the community.
Finally, the university president lights the traditional fire bowl, which represents the coming together of students, faculty, staff, and alumni into one united family committed to helping and encouraging one another. The night ends with fireworks, ice cream, and lots of pictures. You don’t want to miss this one of a kind campus tradition!

Homecoming & Spirit Week
Homecoming at EU isn’t just a time when alumni descend on campus for a weekend of special events. Students are right in the middle of the action. More than just a football game, Homecoming at Evangel holds several days of fun, including:
- Dress-up days
- Homecoming Kick-Off Bonfire
- EU County Fair
- Pep rally
- Classroom visits from alumni
- Special chapel services
- Homecoming football game where we crown our Homecoming King and Queen at halftime
Of course, the only way you can really understand Homecoming is to experience it for yourself. Once you do, you’ll see why Evangel alumni come back year after year from around the country to celebrate these traditions and the life-long friends they met through them.
Harvest Fest
Harvest Fest is a student-produced variety show sponsored by the EU Activities Board (AB) and attended by hundreds of students each year. Harvest Fest features a new theme each year that drives the whole event – featuring original sketches, videos, and musical performances, as well as inspiring decor. Harvest Fest takes place in downtown Springfield at the historic Gillioz Theatre, and students who attend come in theme-related costumes, so everyone gets in on the creativity of the event. Prizes are given for the best single, couple, and group costumes – chosen by audience vote. Memories are always created at this event!
Made for More
Made for More is an annual — and highly-anticipated — women’s-only event that focuses on fun, fashion, and identity in Christ. Made for More brings together women across campus and reinforces the importance of having a positive self-image and connection with God and one another.
Classy Christmas
Classy Christmas is an opportunity for students to dress up in their finest formal attire and celebrate the holiday season in style. Held in the Riggs Atrium, the evening features ballroom dancing lessons, where students learn graceful moves, perfecting their waltzes and spins as they mingle with friends. Throughout the night, students also participate in a range of Christmas-themed activities, from Christmas crafts and story time to a photo booth filled with fun props. Students also enjoy refreshments provided by the generous EU faculty and staff. Classy Christmas provides students a unique opportunity to unwind, enjoy the festivities, and create lasting memories with friends, all while celebrating the spirit of the season.