Snowbarger is the oldest residence hall on the campus of Southern Nazarene University. It is an all-men’s dorm that is unbelievably rich in stories and history.
Former Snowbarger RA and resident Xavier Ridenour shared his perspective on the dorm’s legacy. “Hearing the stories of what people have done at Snow over the years, not only from people who are still on campus, but also alumni who happen to come back; maybe they are moving their kids in or doing some sort of event on campus. When you hear they’re from Snow, they always have a few stories,” he said.
Snowbarger is packed with stories like these. Over the years, the hall has been home to generations of students from different backgrounds and walks of life.
The one thing they share is their time in Snowbarger. The dorm has a unique way of bringing people together to build great moments and memories. “My favorite thing about Snow[barger] is the culture,” Ridenour exclaimed. “I feel like over the years, there has been a culture built where everyone enjoys one another and gets to spend some good time in community. It feels like everyone really embraces being a member of Snow[barger].”
Being an all-men’s dorm gives the space a distinct dynamic. “What sets Snow apart is it being an all-men’s dorm, so you open up the freedom for dudes getting to be dudes,” Ridenour noted. “Guys get to enjoy their first two [freshman and sophomore] college years with some juniors and seniors on the lower floors. It gives guys the opportunity to enjoy each other, be rowdy, and just be guys.”
Snowbarger remains a lively place on campus. On a given night, students may be playing games, hosting Bible studies, watching sports or simply hanging out. Over the years, Snow has built a tight-knit community where students enjoy one another’s company.
Snowbarger is more than just a place to sleep. For generations of students, it has been a place to build friendships, create memories and become part of a community bigger than themselves.
Photo by: Richie Overcash