5 Ways to Enjoy Spring at HPU

Hosted by HPU’s Campus Activities Team, the Spring Carnival is like nothing you have ever seen on a college campus. The Kester International Promenade transforms into a wide expanse of rides, games and food trucks. The Ferris wheel, swings, a giant slide and a Twister spinning ride are some of students' favorite rides at the carnival. This year, the Spring Carnival is back and better than ever with a new selection of attractions for students. And, of course, no carnival is complete without fun eats — there are funnel cakes, cotton candy and more treats to indulge. The Spring Carnival is the perfect opportunity to make fun memories with friends and spend time outdoors. This year’s Spring Carnival will be held on the last day of classes, April 26. It’s an event students won’t want to miss!

HPU holds two Family Weekends every year–one in the fall and one in the spring. During Spring Family Weekend, families are invited to attend multiple events on campus, such as basketball games in the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena, complete with halftime shows and appearances from HPU’s cheerleaders, dance team and marching band. Bingo — a family favorite — is also held every Family Weekend, hosted by the Campus Activities Team. Students and families play to win unique HPU merchandise, like lawn chairs, coolers and wagons. Finishing off the weekend is a concert, also held in the Qubein Arena. Previous performers include Chris Lane, KC and the Sunshine Band, an ABBA tribute band and a Beatles tribute band. A family 5K, planetarium shows and campus tours are just a few other activities offered. HPU’s Family Weekends provide a wide variety of events for everyone in the family to enjoy.

While most students decide to travel home during Easter weekend, HPU makes every student feel at home by holding Easter festivities for students who remain on campus and wish to celebrate. Hosted by HPU Chapel, the Easter Sunrise Service is held outdoors at 7 a.m. on Easter morning. Students and others in attendance sit on blankets on the grass outside the Hayworth Chapel and worship together as the sun rises. The service is led by Rev. Dr. Preston Davis, minister to the university, and students read from scripture and participate in musical interludes. Coffee, pastries and other refreshments are served as well. You can usually spot HPU President Nido Qubein in attendance, greeting students and wishing them a Happy Easter.

When looking for a place to enjoy the nice weather while working on assignments, students have no shortage of outdoor study spots to choose from on HPU’s campus. In the spring, a popular spot to complete assignments is on the balcony of the R.G. Wanek Center’s Learning Commons. Here, you get a bird’s eye view of HPU’s campus. On the balcony are large tables and purple couches to sit comfortably and study on. Another great spot is The Butterfly Café’s outdoor patio. During the springtime, you will see students sitting outside with an iced coffee or a cup of gelato, surrounded by the patio’s lush greenery. This location also has an outdoor fountain, making it even more peaceful. If you feel like laying in the lush grass, the Kester International Promenade is the perfect place. On a nice day, you will see many students sitting on towels and blankets and reading a book or studying on their laptops. HPU’s campus offers endless outdoor spaces to relax on a beautiful spring day.

HPU is home to 30 gardens featuring over 350 types of trees and 2,500 types of plants, scattered around campus. When the flowers bloom in the springtime, the Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are bright and lush. Tucked in the back patio of the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication is the Pat Plaxico Climbing Rose Garden, featuring bright flowers. This intimate garden showcases a collection of roses in various colors intertwined in an archway structure. If you’re looking to take in HPU’s gardens on a larger scale, the Topiary Fusion Garden, located in the Mahler Promenade, is the perfect spot to stroll. The charming garden features various types of topiaries and flowers. This garden is on a popular path and brings an extra layer of positivity to students’ days as they walk to class.