Traditional Coe Events
Black History Month:
Coe sponsors a month-long series of events in February, including featured speakers, cultural enrichment programs, and a dinner.
Christmas Convocation and Vespers:
The highlight of the Christmas holiday season at Coe, this traditional candlelight service of Lessons and Carols features the Coe College Chorale and other student ensembles. It is sponsored by the Office of the Chaplain and the college's music department.
Contemporary Issues Forum:
An annual early Spring event established by the late K. Raymond Clark '30, the Contemporary Issues Forum presents the views of distinguished leaders whose work has shaped and altered the course of world events. The forum has featured former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, former Poland President Lech Walesa, deep-sea oceanographer Robert Ballard, civil rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, "Doonesbury" cartoonist Garry Trudeau, ecology expert Jared Diamond, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and best-selling author Leonard Pitts, celebrated author Sir Salman Rushdie, former Senate Majority Leader and Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell, and Pulitzer Prize-winning authority on global health issues Laurie Garrett.
Cultural Show:
Produced by the International Club for over 30 years, this show brings together the talents of many cultures each Fall on the Sinclair Auditorium stage.
Diversity Conference:
Each year the Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosts a conference with expert speakers on diversity and social justice related issues.
Family Weekend:
This Fall weekend includes a reception with the president, dinner and nightly entertainment, in addition to a home football game and fun activities for the whole family.
Flunk Day:
Flunk Day is a Coe tradition which began in 1911. Classes are canceled for a day in the Spring so the student body can enjoy an all-school picnic, outdoor activities, entertainment and fun.
Greek Recruitment:
This event takes place during the Fall term. Recruitment helps acquaint students with Greek Life at Coe. During this event, students have the opportunity to learn about and join one of our five fraternities: Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Gamma Delta, Delta Delta Delta and Simga Lambda Gamma or one of our five fraternities: Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Tau, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Sigma Lambda Beta, and Tau Kappa Epsilon.
Greek Week:
This event highlights the leadership, scholarship and campus contributions of Coe’s ten Greek organizations.
Homecoming:
This weekend includes a talent show, homecoming court, music performances, traditional football game, alumni reunion and a dance.
Honors Convocation:
Outstanding students are recognized with college departmental and community honors at this Commencement Weekend event.
International Banquet:
This is an elegant buffet dinner prepared by members of Coe’s International Club for the Cedar Rapids and Coe communities. The International Banquet is typically held in February.
Passover Seder Dinner:
In observance of the Jewish Passover, the Office of the Chaplain, in partnership with Jewish faculty and our community’s Rabbi, hosts an on-campus traditional Seder for all students, faculty and staff.
Student Research Symposium:
This annual event held during the Spring term features Coe students showcasing their academic projects. The symposium presentations, which range from academic research projects to artistic displays and performances, are the culmination of work done by students over the past academic year.