Meredith College celebrates several traditions that have bound generations of students together. The Cornhuskin’ main event was hosted on Nov. 4, 2023 and was the tradition's 78th annual celebration. For first time participants the intricacies of this event’s activities can be overwhelming and confusing due to the mysterious nature of the event and the cryptic explanations students receive.
Elaina Irving, ‘26 wrote two articles addressing the Meredith traditions, both its history as well as changes being addressed. In her previous articles she explains student concerns and the revisions being made to Cornhuskin’ so that more students will become involved. In the second article it was noted that the revisions made for Corn in 2023 were the responsibility of the Meredith Recreation Association (MRA) rather than the TRC, although the TRC supports these changes, which were informed by student feedback.
Corina Knowles, ‘27 was interviewed to provide the perspective of someone who has not yet been to Cornhuskin. Her planned involvement in Corn included viewing the event and participation in the Meredith Angels Dance Team (MADT). She wanted to emphasize her excitement regarding her first collegiate level dance performance, but also her utter confusion about the event’s details.
The signs and decor spread around campus conveyed very niche corn themes, but the specifics remained elusive. “There is a giant piece of corn outside of the library, but what does it really mean?” Knowles said.
Knowles explained that some staff members decided to cancel classes and lighten work loads in order to prepare for this large school wide event. Knowles stated “It is crazy to think that focusing on Cornhuskin’ was taking precedence over our regular coursework.”
Many students struggle to adapt to the college lifestyle while also staying up to date on all of the information revolving around this event. Knowles said “No one has seemed to provide concrete details. Many emails have been sent, but it can be hard to find any important information because of the mass email chains sent out. It was also challenging to stay fully informed because of busy school and work schedules.”
The phrase “you just have to experience it,” adds to the overall mystery and isn't entirely necessary. Knowles' criticized the phrase, stating, “Instead of building up anticipation, [she would] much prefer to be adequately prepared and informed. The whole mysterious element of Cornhuskin’ has been off putting, and the constant hype surrounding it doesn’t make [her] more excited. ”
There is also the element of fitting in Corn practice and the traditions into the variety of schedules students may have, including work. Knowles stated, “To be at the event [she is] giving up an entire Saturday worth of tips’ which she notes she would use towards bills she needs to pay.
Knowles also shared her opinion on the diversity of Corn, adding that she feels like “there has not been much diversity in leadership teams,” which leaves large decisions like “what music should [each class] play?” and “what will the skits look like?” to the same type of student. She suggests that “implementing a broader range of perspectives would make it more inviting, as the current approach is widely felt overwhelming.”
The MRA took measures to ensure that this year’s Cornhuskin’ event is accessible for participants. The accessibility strategy that the MRA team has been working towards offers an instructional and demonstrational video, to guide students through protocols during the parade. Lizzie King ‘26 MRA Accessibility Coordinator states that “accessibility should be representative of everyone because everyone should have the opportunity to experience it.” King also advised that first time corn goers should take a “fun and spirited approach to their first experience with this mysterious event”. King encourages enthusiastic attitudes and to leave the mystery of Corn to the public. It was recommended that in order to stay fully informed, students could watch the instructional videos, reach out to respective co-chairs for questions, and go to the Corn101 sessions.
The tradition of Cornhuskin at Meredith college continues to evolve. Leadership teams have had to navigate the new elements of this tradition. Following the events of the weekend festivities, it is important to continuously engage and get perspectives from students.
By Lys Evans, contributing writer
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