Rachel Keber did as many Wartburg students did on Outfly and got a tattoo in Cedar Falls. Photo by Amanda Gahler
Outfly, a tradition over a century old at Wartburg, was last week, but what does the student body have to show for it?
The book “Still on the Move: Wartburg College, 1852-2002” tells of a tradition worth its legacy:
“Once upon a time, Outfly brought almost everyone together...and then took them together to another place for a day of recreation and engagement.”
Now, while some students stay on campus to be united in daylong festivities, others have their own personal outing to get their first (second, or third) tattoo or piercing. Some skip the miniature cinnamon rolls served by faculty for breakfast and take shots served by roommates instead. Plenty use it as an excuse to forgo their homework for two weeks straight, reasoning that Outfly is sure to be the next day.
Outfly remains partially the same: early morning cries, canceling classes, games and entertainment. But what kind of legacy are current students leaving behind?
Why doesn’t the student body find a way to establish new traditions or at least put a more worthy spin on the old ones?
Outfly, for example, could become a venture into town in the morning and a celebration on campus in the afternoon. What if the town voted on a project for the students to help out with? The tradition originated as an excursion “out”; why not continue to bring Waverly and Wartburg closer, not to mention fulfill one tier of the college’s mission statement?
It’s especially appropriate to focus on traditions as the Wartburg/Luther football game approaches.
This rivalry used to be so impressive that one joke between colleges found its way into Rolling Stone as one of the best college pranks of the year.
The prank involved students sneaking a float into Luther’s homecoming parade.
Decorated with Luther colors and paraphernalia, the students didn’t reveal their true intentions until the judging table. That’s when they stripped clothes and decorations to show their orange and black pride.
That, in fact, is legendary.
Outfly 2009 was time off to bond with fellow students, spend time with staff and faculty and enjoy one last day of pleasant fall weather.
But should there have been a bigger meaning to it? A larger goal than merely an organized and excused skip day?
This week, alumni will gather for Homecoming and reminisce of their time spent here. When you are asked how you spent this year’s Outfly, will you be proud of your answer? Will it be a story worth telling?
In 100 years from now, what will history books be saying about the classes of 2010-2013? Will current students leave behind a legacy to be proud of?