This article was originally written for the fifth issue in the Advent 2025 semester of The Sewanee Purple and has been reproduced digitally.
Elizabeth McMahon
Staff Writer
Chaos. Chaos is the best word to describe the scene unfolding at Elliot Lawn as freshmen arrive at their meeting point for PRE. An army of well-trained Sewanee Outing Program (SOP) leaders frolic around in absurd costumes as if The Dancing Plague of 1518 struck them. The scene is chaotic in the best way. For these freshmen, it is the start of their Sewanee journey, but these SOP leaders believed they were having their last dance.
Many students hold fond memories of PRE and often note how some of their warmest memories and closest friends were made during that time. PRE has impacted many, so significantly that several students return as staff members year after year. PRE has planted deep roots in the Sewanee community which was why when the student body found out about the potential end of PRE they erupted. The popular slogan, “Keep PRE,” emerged on buttons and petitions. Droves of students petitioned to the administration on behalf of PRE and the Student Government Association hosted a town hall at the Green House to express their thoughts on First Year Experience (FYE)–the program replacing PRE.
Many current students were suspicious of FYE because they believed that it stripped Sewanee of one of its cherished traditions. However, at the town hall, the student body discovered that the music will continue for PRE. Jennifer Cooley, Dean of the College, revealed the plan for FYE which comprises three phases: Explore, Encounter and Embark. Under the Explore phase there are six tracks a first year student may choose including PRE. Cooley went on to say, “It is remaining the same; the same footprint, the same activities.”
Many students were elated with this revelation but none were more excited than SOP Director John Benson and Assistant Director Julia Nelson. Benson recounted how it was a difficult time for the SOP with PRE hanging in the balance saying:
“Yeah, it was emotional to think about it, not continuing, and not because of me, but just the students and what it means to everybody. A lot of people were coming up to us all and [saying] ‘I just feel like, I’m so sorry that PRE is ending.’ And I was like, I would breathe deep inside and be like, ‘Wait, it’s not over yet, It’s a pilot.”
Just like the steps are critical in a dance, so is PRE to the SOP. Benson and Dean of Students Nicky Campbell discussed this importance. “She’s a huge reason that PRE is continuing. Benson credited Campbell with upholding the program. Benson said:
I’m grateful for her. She’s been a massive advocate for PRE and the SOP. I’ve always talked about how we’re training our leaders, and then we’re welcoming new students. And she’s like ‘PRE is a leadership training-like program.’ And I was like, ‘yes, it is’. She’s heard you all, and really is attuned to students and has listened.”
Julia Nelson notes the significance of PRE: “The essence of PRE is joy and community. I came back to Sewanee because of PRE.” It not only introduces new students to the Domain but also builds friendships and provides mentors. Benson expanded on Nelson’s comment saying “We’re able to provide a space where folks can try something new.”
All dancers are needed for the full performance to shine and the SOP recognizes all members that participated in allowing the magic of PRE to continue. Benson and Nelson greatly appreciated the 95 volunteers–including the 13 that returned before going abroad–that volunteered their time. Benson said, “I mean, we would be nothing. Julia and I would be nothing without our 95 plus student leaders. Oh, and so we just always rejoice. I’m so proud that we have 95 leaders that volunteer and give up their time to both be trained and then share the joy of Sewanee.”
The music will continue to blare from the speakers at Elliot Lawn as a new wave of PRE leaders step foot onto the dance floor like many others before them. Beach balls and bubbles will continue to bounce across the yard. This year’s freshmen will don the ridiculous costume and join the community’s dance to welcome new students with open arms.