September has begun and fall is upon us here at Smurthwaite. Even though it still feels like summer outside (mainly because of the sorching heat), soon the leaves will change and campus will transform into fall. This month, the women of Smurthwaite were extra busy becoming accustomed to their schedules, getting used to classes, but also working on house requirements, such as programs, events, and more. This month, we had our first successful program, and two programs total, Big/Little Reveal, and two candle passings!
The first program of the year was held by MacKenzie Cline (our secretary) and Piper Robb (our treasurer). These two walked people through how to make various types of origami, and it was an educational and enjoyable program for everyone!
As September went on, another program was held by Smurthwaite members Anna Guess and Lexi Oehlert. This program consisted of painting, where the hosts painted a design and people who attended copied the design template, adding their own twists to the paintings so that no two paintings turned out exactly alike. Overall, it was a very fun program, and everyone created amazing art!
Every year at Smurthwaite, one or two old members are paired with one or two new members, which is called a “Big/Little Pairing”. This is coordinated by our new member coordinator officer, which is currently Emily Kyle. This year for Big/Little Reveal, old and new members found out their pairings at the same time. Everyone gathered in the living room and every woman received an envelope. Inside, the names of that woman’s big and little were on a card! Afterward, the bigs and littles went out and did something together, whether it be ice cream or just hanging out. This is the first of many exciting Big/Little events to come!
Another tradition at Smurthwaite is a Candle Passing, and we had two candle passings just in September! When a current member or alumna of Smurthwaite gets engaged, the tradition is that the woman tells a current member of the house and a candle passing is arranged. Everyone brings their friends or significant others as guests, and a candle is passed around with the engagement ring around it. It goes around the circle once, and the second time, the engaged couple blows the candle out! This month, current member Lexi Oehlert and Aaron Fox got engaged, and alumna Megan Scharping and Forrest Jenkins got engaged. A big congratulations to them both!
September has been a busy month for Smurthwaite, but no doubt the coming months will bring more events and adventures to the house.
With love,
Your Smurthwaite Sisters