Kenyon College Extracurricular Activities: Expanding Your Horizons Beyond the Classroom Tables

Kenyon College, a premier liberal arts institution in Ohio, offers an unparalleled array of extracurricular activities that complement and enrich the academic experience. From competitive sports to vibrant arts programs, civic engagement to research opportunities, there is something to engage every student’s passions and interests.

Sports and Athletics

Kenyon boasts 23 varsity sports teams, competing in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). Athletes represent the Lord and Lady Lords in:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

In addition to varsity athletics, Kenyon offers a wide range of club sports, intramurals, and fitness programs. The Kenyon Adventure Club, for example, organizes outdoor adventures such as hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking.

Arts and Culture

The arts flourish at Kenyon. The Bolton Theatre, a professional-grade performance space, hosts a diverse repertoire of theater, dance, and music productions throughout the year. Students can participate in over 10 musical ensembles, including the Kenyon College Orchestra, Concert Band, and Chamber Singers.

The Kenyon Literary Magazine, one of the oldest undergraduate literary journals in the country, showcases student writing and artwork. The Kenyon Review, a prestigious literary magazine founded in 1939, publishes works by renowned authors and emerging voices.

Civic Engagement

Kenyon’s commitment to civic engagement extends beyond the campus. The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) connects students with community organizations, offering opportunities for volunteering, service learning, and internships. Through the CCE, students can:

• Tutor local elementary students
• Assist with disaster relief
• Advocate for environmental sustainability
• Promote social justice

Research and Scholarship

Kenyon provides exceptional research opportunities for undergraduate students. The College of Arts and Sciences offers the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), where students engage in faculty-mentored research projects across a wide range of disciplines. In recent years:

• 85% of SURE participants presented their research at national or regional conferences
• 62% of SURE participants published their research in peer-reviewed journals or presented at national conferences
• 45% of SURE participants received external funding for their research

Other Extracurricular Activities

Kenyon’s extracurricular offerings extend far beyond sports, arts, civic engagement, and research. The campus boasts over 100 student clubs and organizations, including:

• Academic honor societies
• Cultural organizations (e.g., African Students Association, Latinx Student Union)
• Religious and spiritual groups
• Environmental awareness clubs
• Political action groups
• Social justice organizations

Tips for Getting Involved

• Explore the Kenyon College website: The college website provides a comprehensive list of extracurricular activities.
• Attend the Activities Fair: Held annually at the start of each academic year, the Activities Fair showcases all student organizations.
• Talk to your professors and advisors: They can connect you with opportunities that align with your interests.
• Reach out to student leaders: Members of student organizations are often eager to share their experiences and recruit new members.
• Don’t be afraid to try something new: Kenyon offers a wide range of opportunities to explore different passions and interests.

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

• Personal growth: Extracurricular activities foster self-confidence, leadership skills, and teamwork.
• Academic enrichment: Participation in extracurricular activities can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Social connections: Extracurricular activities provide opportunities to meet new people and build meaningful relationships.
• Career preparation: Many extracurricular activities develop skills that are highly valued in the workplace.
• Community engagement: Extracurricular activities can connect students with the wider community and make a positive impact.

Conclusion

Kenyon College extracurricular activities offer an unparalleled opportunity for students to explore their passions, develop new skills, and contribute to the community. By engaging in these activities, students complement their academic experiences, enhance their personal growth, and prepare themselves for success beyond Kenyon.

Table 1: Varsity Sports at Kenyon College

Table 2: Extracurricular Activities at Kenyon College

Table 3: Research and Scholarship at Kenyon College

Table 4: Benefits of Extracurricular Activities