From Thursday, April 11 to Saturday, April 27, Lawrence held its annual 17 Days of Kindness campaign in collaboration with the Student Organization for University Programming (SOUP). As stated on the Lawrence University information page, 17 Days of Kindness is meant to display the best of the Lawrence community with an array of events, self-care days and celebrations.
“[17 Days of Kindness] is a tradition that highlights the best of our community through different events, gratitude and then the end celebration with the President’s Ball,” co-president of SOUP sophomore Lili Kareken said. “It gives us an opportunity to share gratitude with those who have impacted us.”
On Thursday, April 11, the first day of the campaign, students were presented with a chance to get a ride on a “campus taxi” to their classes, which was a golf cart decorated in a colorful banner, driven by other SOUP members. On Friday, April 12, Lawrentians were welcomed to Warch Campus Center for an ice cream social.
“Our kickoff is always fun,” Kareken said. “We had ice cream from Mexican Treats, which was so good. And it was beautiful weather that day, so it drew a lot of attention and made a lot of people smile.”
Many of the events were in collaboration with other clubs or figures at Lawrence. First-Year Dean Kristi Koshuta sponsored the events held on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14, which offered the opportunity for students to write affirmations and kind words around the Lawrence campus. The campaign, likewise, featured collaborations with Student Engagement, Activities and Leadership (SEAL); International Student Services; Spiritual and Religious Life; Wellness Services; Sexual Harassment and Assault Resource and Education (SHARE); Sustainable Lawrence University Gardens (SLUG); and Student Life Division. Finally, 17 Days of Kindness will end with the President’s Ball on Saturday, April 27.
“It is not just 17 Days of Kindness; it is a period where you can stop, relax and really remember all the little things that make you happy and what you can put forth into the world,” Kareken said. “Whether that is doing something for someone else or taking care of yourself, that is the biggest thing.”