On Thursday, March 30, Covenant College hosted its once a semester Student Appreciation Day, affectionately called S.A.D. by students and staff. S.A.D. is a day full of special events to show the college’s appreciation for the student body and encourage the campus.
In an email sent to students, the college said, “Thanks for being students who love one another, sacrifice for each other, and model Christ to us all … Though we as staff and faculty are appreciative of you every day, tomorrow is a special day to communicate this in a tangible and intentional way.”
Every semester, students look forward to three things about S.A.D. First, the Great Hall serves premium entrees and student favorites for every meal. This year, the Interaction Station had a build-your-own burrito bar, which included steak or chicken, rice, beans and other toppings. The burrito bar was a hit among students, with lines near the door at lunch and dinner. The Blink also served specials all day.
Second, over 200 student names are randomly drawn to win prizes. These prizes are donated by local businesses, college employees and college departments/offices. They include things like gift bags, food, merchandise or gift cards to student favorite spots such as Chick-Fil-A, Canopy Coffee, Publix, Chipotle, Spare Time, Top Golf, etc. There were also opportunities to win a Chick-Fil-A gift card by being the first of five people to find Becca Moore, Keith McClearn or Nesha Evans.
Third, students are given a study break in the afternoon on Brock and Chapel lawns. This semester, the sunny weather provided a perfect atmosphere for a petting zoo, food trucks and lawn games. Students got to hang out with friends and take selfies with rabbits, sheep and goats. Members of the local Lookout Mountain community also came and enjoyed the festivities.
The petting zoo was a particular highlight for students. Rebekah Hitchcock ’26 said, “I needed to see and pet furry animals. It was therapeutic.” Tyneisha Herring ’25 spoke along the same lines, “I loved S.A.D. I always look forward to the animals ….” Herring also likes the food trucks. This year, vendors served students free snow cones and fried Oreos.
As this semester draws to a close, S.A.D. lifted spirits across campus and gave students a little extra happiness on a random Thursday. Sam Harrelson ’26 talked about how much he enjoyed all the events. “Student Appreciation Day is amazing. I loved the llamas, spending time with people and the burritos,” Harrelson said.
S.A.D. continues to be a semester highlight on campus, and this joy is tangible. Anna McDonald ’23 said, “I love that my peers embrace the goofiness of hosting ‘Happy S.A.D.’ at everyone they pass.” Students also feel blessed by the Covenant community and by all those who made S.A.D. possible. McDonald expressed her gratitude for faculty and staff who strive to make students feel loved and appreciated: “I am thankful for a campus that makes being a student fun!”