Wake Up Wednesday has been fostering community spirit and providing a sense of belonging for students since its inception in the fall of 2020. 

Conceived as a response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the aftermath of flooding in the Student Success Center, this event has continued to offer a space for connection and relaxation amidst the hectic semesters.

Kristen Liesen is a key figure behind Wake Up Wednesday. She said it reinvigorated the SSC and its importance to the campus community.

Born out of necessity and a desire to welcome students back meaningfully, the event quickly established itself as a staple of student engagement, and now it is celebrated for its consistency and open-hearted approach.

“The idea was to give everyone a reason to start coming back to the SSC, kind of a grand opening type of thing,” Liesen said.

This sentiment captures the essence of the event’s beginnings — a beacon calling students back to a shared space of engagement after a long period of isolation and disruption.

What sets Wake Up Wednesday apart, according to Liesen, is its unwavering presence in the lives of students and staff. 

“Consistency has been the real key. It’s every Wednesday, regardless. We started up the first Wednesday of each semester and we’ve just continued it,” Liesen stated.

This regularity has created a rhythm to campus life, every Wednesday, every student gets the community relations email saying Wake Up Wednesday is happening again. 

The event’s popularity, Liesen believes, can also be attributed to its low-barrier, welcoming nature. 

“It’s a fun free thing, there’s no expectations for students. It’s just a welcoming way of coming in and chatting and seeing familiar faces,” Liesen said.

This approach has made Wake Up Wednesday a winner for students and staff. 

Despite the challenges of organizing such an event, including periods when it felt overwhelming for the SSC staff, the commitment to Wake Up Wednesday has never wavered. The decision to open it up to other departments has infused the event with new energy and ensured its sustainability.

“Everyone loves it, so I don’t see us ending it anytime soon,” Liesen said.

Confidently she signaled a bright future for this cherished tradition.

As Wake Up Wednesday continues to thrive, it not only enriches the student experience but also reinforces the essence of community and support that lies at Quincy University.