On Oct 14, students gathered outside of Lakeside to kick off the homecoming week with food, fun, and laughter. A buffet of barbeque items was offered and the first attendees received free Doane-Coming t-shirts featuring the vibrant “Tiger Time Warp” graphic. The highlight of the evening arrived at 6:30 p.m. when stand-up comedian Derrick Knopsnyder took the stage.
While Knopsnyder’s comedy was the main attraction, the kickoff party had more to offer. An inflatable cage match, set up on the grass, drew a crowd as students lined up to participate or cheer on the playful battles inside the bouncy arena. The lively atmosphere made the night memorable.
Students lined up around Cassel despite the chilly air to watch Knopsnyder’s performance. Spencer Munson, Assistant Director of Campus Engagement, explained that although they considered hosting the comedian inside, Lakeside’s limited seating capacity pushed them to opt for an outdoor event. This setup allowed students to grab dinner and join in on the fun, expanding the audience and adding to the festive mood.
The kickoff party also allowed clubs and organizations to put the final touches on their banners, displayed above Nyrop Hall and perfect their skits for the pep rally and skit night scheduled later in the week. The night successfully set the stage for an exciting homecoming week ahead, hyping students up for upcoming events.