Bright and early on the morning of Sept. 25, the students of Wartburg College were woken up with the sounds of the Wartburg drumline and the Wartburg Orientation Staff running through the halls. For most students on campus, tomorrow has finally arrived, it’s Outfly.
Before the sun begins to rise, some students gather on the campus lawn for the ringing of the Victory Bell with President Ehretsman while others find their spot in line for the famous Outfly breakfast.
From waking up to the sound of orientation leaders and the drumline in 2023 as a freshman to pulling an all-nighter to plan the event, Student Body President, Tony Hobson, shares what it was like to be on the forefront of Outfly this year.
“This year, it’s really rewarding being on the other side of that and knowing that you’re planning an event just purely for the benefit of the general student body. There’s going to be 1,400 students that get a day off, get an excuse to relax.”
Hobson shares that during his first two years at Wartburg, his favorite part of Outfly has always been seeing the Wartburg community come together. This year specifically, Hobson hopes that students are able to enjoy the activities that he has had the opportunity to help plan.
“I hope that they use it as an opportunity to remember how much Wartburg cares about them, and how nice this community is. Outfly is just a day that we put on so that everyone gets a break. Not just a break for students, a break for faculty as well.”
Beginning his day at 4:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Hobson exchanged a night of rest for a night of RA duty and planning for the best day of the year. Alongside the Outfly committee and many organizations on campus, the lawn was set up and filled with summer camp-like activities to kick off the 2025 Outfly.
Throughout the day, students are welcomed to participate in various events, activities and traditions across campus. From purchasing Outfly t-shirts to joining their peers on the lawn for summer camp games, there is something for everyone.
First-year student Sawyer Hummer shares that her morning experience was filled with excitement. From the loud awakening by the drumline and orientation staff to ringing the Victory Bell on campus lawn.
“My heart is still beating so fast from being woken up,” Hummer says.
Third-year student Eleigh Davis plans to take the opportunity to soak in her day by taking advantage of school traditions and the unique theme.
“I’m excited to get a tattoo!” Davis says. “I love the hype that is around it, as well as all the fun activities.”
Happy Outfly Knights!
