By Gustavo Dias Juliani, Staff Writer
After a year-long break, a Newman University tradition is making a comeback.
The Campus Activities Board has announced the return of the Lip Sync Battle, which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Dugan Conference Center.
The event was last held in March 2024 and invites groups of Newman students to put together a lip sync routine to perform on stage.
Travia Smith, a CAB representative, said that the event had to be scrapped last year.
"The main reason our group decided not to host this event last year was because of many scheduling conflicts," Smith said.
By waiting until 2026, CAB was able to more intentionally plan the event for Homecoming Week — a time when school spirit is at its highest.
The university is offering a big incentive to participate this year: a $500 shopping spree for the grand prize winners. The prize money will come out of CAB’s budget.\
Smith said that winning will require more than just lip movement. Judges will be grading performers on energy, creativity, choreography and teamwork. The jury panel will consist of Dave Akao, Newman’s head strength coach; Carlos Atondo. Newman’s head of security; Kolton Landreth, admissions counselor; and Gabby Altenor, a Newman alumna and former Miss Wichita.
"This event helps reestablish a sense of joy and community on campus," Smith said. "It gives students a space to let loose and express a goofy, creative side of themselves — something that often doesn’t have room in professional or academic settings."
For the international community and students living on campus, these events are about more than just entertainment. Kenzee Keeling, a sophomore from Dodge City, said that events like this help build a sense of home.
"For international students or anyone living on campus, it can help them feel more included and comfortable, especially if they’re away from home," Keeling said.
She also mentioned that while the $500 prize adds "extra motivation," the real goal is to get students to step out of their comfort zones and meet new people.
The event is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend as a spectator. Registration is now open, and only Newman students can compete. Only clean songs will be allowed in the competition.
The signup form is available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUJGNXyIKmUhuXrM_ktunC-rwYpCnjk2IonmLrZVT8mvgaaw/viewform
Teams must complete the form and send it to Josh Schoenecker-Prilliman in Student Life by Wednesday, Feb. 18.
PHOTO: Courtesy, Campus Activities Board
