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You are the voice. We are the echo.
The Echo
Taylor University, Upland, IN
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
The Echo
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First round results are in

By Kassidy Weemhoff & Lauren Rink | Echo

A group of girls gathers at the Penthouse Coffee House to play cards and drink some coffee.

September 26 - Penthouse Coffee House

We credit this floor of Samuel Morris Hall for kicking off this semester's open houses with a relaxing and welcoming environment. Peers gathered around tables to play board games or sip on coffee that even the barista admitted was terrible. A few boys played acoustic music on their guitars to set the coffeehouse vibe. Overall Rating: 11

October 9 - Third East Wengatz Future Great Dads

We will admit, the idea of hanging out with 25 or so dads was slightly intimidating, but we trekked over to Third East Wengatz for the Future Great Dads of America open house. As you enter, you are greeted with a friendly hug. From there you are blessed by many dads: craw-dad, sugar daddy, art dad, party dad, dad joke dad, disapproving dad and a plethora of others. Overall Rating: 15

October 24 - Second Gerig Granny Pumpkin Spice

After a lull in the open house schedule, we enjoyed a lovely night with some of our favorite grannies of Second Gerig. The whole wing participated by dressing as grannies and taking part in typical grandmother activities. Grandma candy was passed out and we left feeling full as one should. Our favorite feature was the great wall of granny stories where we could read about people's crazy grandma stories. Overall rating: 17

October 24 - Third Olson Cookie Open House

Milk. Napkins. Cookies. In that order. The entire third floor of Olson Hall put on an event featuring dozens of kinds of cookies to share with the masses of Taylor. The selection was on a first come first serve basis. This open house was an in-and-out type of event, but we left with our hands full of delicious cookies and more napkins than we could fit in our pockets. The selection was beyond belief. Overall rating: 13

October 25 - Second West Wengatz Techno Night

Take one small lounge, add in a blacklight, detergent soaked walls and neon clad students and you have Second West Wengatz Techno Night open house. The men of Second West replaced the lights on their wing for blacklight bulbs and splattered laundry detergent all over the walls. They set up a DJ station with huge, loudspeakers. After getting all dressed up, the students started pouring in. The rest of the night was spent jumping and dancing surrounded by unbelievably sweaty people - a true Taylor party scene. Overall rating: 17

October 25 - Second Center Wengatz "Cool Down From Techno Night Open House" Open House

Although this open house was an extremely simple idea, it was pure genius. Second Center had fans, water and a peaceful space to get your head on straight before going back into Techno Night madness. We highly recommend. Overall rating: 12

October 30 - Third Breu Storm's a Breuin'

Second Breu advised all open house attendees to wear weather resistant gear, and they did not take it lightly. Each open house group was led by a "storm chaser" guide and navigated their way through a thunderstorm, rain shower, tornado and tsunami. With flashing lights, wind, splashes of water and plenty of jumpscares, this open house did not disappoint. After braving the storm, the storm chasers greet Noah and get to taste the rainbow on their way out. Overall Rating: 18

October 30 - Swalloween

This year, Swalloween was western themed and as always, was a hit. Those in attendance were able to get photos with sheriff stars and mustaches.The layout has been consistent from year to year. Snacks were offered in the lobby upon entering the open house. Walking through the three floors brought opportunities to participate in activities, but we found the dark third floor underwhelming. Favorite part: the "Bungalow Boys," who played a country version of "Monster Mash." Overall rating: 16

October 31 - Foundation Halloween Open House

The line to attend the Samuel Morris Foundation Halloween open house was over 30 minutes long at the busy parts of the night. After putting our name in the que, they text you when it is your turn. There were options for all participants. From the escape room to the haunted maze to trick or treating and even a Broho interactive zombie haunted house, there were options for everyone. Overall rating: 16.5

SEPT & OCT OPEN HOUSES

Decor

Wing involvement

Overall experience

Originality

Total

9.26

Penthouse Coffee House

2

3

3

3

11

10.9

3rd East Future Great Dads

2

5

4

4

15

10.24

2nd Gerig Granny Pumpkin Spice

4

5

3

5

17

10.24

3rd Floor Olson Cookies

2

5

3

3

13

10.25

Techno Night

5

4.5

3.5

4

17

10.25

Cool Down

1

2

5

4

12

10.3

Storm's A Breuin'

5

4

4

5

18

10.3

Swalloween

5

3

4

4

16

10.31

Foundation Halloween Open House

3

5

4.5

4

16.5