Wartburg College - Fortress Yearbook (Waverly, IA)

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Cafe Outbreak An uncontrollable food fight that broke out in the cafeteria during the fall term Outfly was just one of several events that led to a critical look at this student declared holiday during the school year. Under the Campus Life Committee ' s (CLIC) guidance, a careful examination of the purpose and intent of Outfly was conducted. An all-campus forum spon- sored by Student Senate gave students a chance to voice their concerns about the holiday. According to research done by the CLIC committee, Outfly has experienced many changes since itsinitiation in 1916. That first year, Outfly, or Ausflug in German, was established as a spontane- ous, student-initiated one-day holiday held once in the fall term and once in the spring term. This aspect of Outfly seems to have remained in tact through the years of change, although there are now many more rules governing the days which are eligible for the calling. One other aspect of Outfly which has weathered the changes of the years is the purpose of Outfly. When it was conceived, purpose was to provide students with enjoyable activities in which th e faculty could participate. This was intended to enhance student faculty relationships. Sophomore Jerome Irish and Senior Ellen Hansen enjoy a dance together. Spurs Revisions This practice has been kept, in theory, but those in attendance at the Residential Life Forum, voiced concerns that per- haps students were leaning away from their feelings of wanting to interact with the faculty on Outfly. One other concern that was raised about the student-declared holiday was the amount of alcohol related activities thattake place. CARE, a newly organized committee, showed special concern about this area, and few students denied that drinking is a popular activity, especially the night Outfly is called. When it was originally established, Out- fly was called by the students gathered on the president ' s lawn not at 10 p.m., but at 7 a.m. That way the students had already prepared fortheir classes on that day, and the one-day vacation really was a break from classes and homework. In the 1930 ' s students gathered on the Outfly Grounds located on the banks of the Cedar River. Three-legged races, banana eating contests, and a variety of relay races used to take place there until 3:30 p.m. Today few students know where Outfly Grounds are, and even fewer go there to spend any time on Outfly. Most activities offered for present Out- flies are held on campus and are more varied than those of past years. Since Outfly is now called at night, an all-campus party is usually held, spon- sored by some group on campus. Another regular event is the Campus Ministry bonfire. The Student Activities Committee also provides a variety of events for the day. It is responsible for planning a dance, a breakfast or brunch for students and faculty, and an assortment of athletic activities which provide fun competition between residential units, departments, or other organizations. So, although Outfly has undergone many changes since its initiation, the name remains. And, after its investiga- tion by the CLIC committee, there may be changes in store for Outfly that as yet are unknown.