Education for Service in Action

Buenafication Day

Buenafication Day is Buena Vista University's annual day of service, and one of our most beloved traditions. On this day, classes on our Storm Lake campus are not scheduled and all Beavers give back to their communities.

Buenification Day @023

Take me to:

Buenafication Day 2023

9:30 a.m.Opening CeremonySiebens Fieldhouse
10 a.m. - NoonIndoor Service ProjectsStorm Lake and Surrounding Areas
10 a.m. - NoonMeal Packaging, Bandage Rolling, Hospice & Newborn Kit BuildingMack Lounge; Siebens Forum 
Noon – 1:30 p.m.LunchThe Servery
ALL DAYClean, Swap, and DonateResidence Halls
3:30- 5 p.m.Commuter Student ProjectGSLC

2023 Projects

We are excited to continue the spirit of service for Buenafication Day! Take a look at some of the projects.

  • General Projects
  • 2023 Sponsored Projects

Sign up for a service project

We are looking for student groups and campus departments to sign up for service projects which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on April 20. Your student group or office may choose a service project that is needed in your area, or you can request to be assigned a project based on the size of your group. Registration will end on April 14. 

Help Us Celebrate!

We need your help celebrating Buenafication Day 2023! In addition to service opportunities, we want to see you taking part in Buenafication fun wherever you are!

Send us video of yourself:

  • Banging pots and pans
  • Doing the Beaver Train
  • Enjoying a picnic lunch

You can be part of our celebration!

Buenification Day

History

Since its origins as "Hobo Days" in 1913, Buenafication Day has become a beloved tradition at BVU. Originally a relaxed and unstructured day of spirits, games, and festivities, it has evolved into a serious undertaking of civic responsibility at its most enjoyable.

In its most recognizable form, Buenafication Day has been an annual event since approximately 1980, when Student Senate and the administration arranged a weekday when classes were closed and students were instead given the opportunity to beautify (or "buenafy") the campus. Students were roused in the morning with banging pots and pans and met at the stadium for an announcement of on-campus service opportunities in the morning, and the evening was filled with entertainment.

Today, Buenafication Day is led by a committee of various students and administrators and is co-sponsored by the Office of Community Engagement, the Student Activities Board, Residence Life, and Student Senate. Students serve their community either by doing work on Buena Vista's campus, or going out into the community to clean buildings and grounds. The afternoon involves "BVU Against Hunger," where students participate in a service project based on meeting a community need. There is also, of course, the traditional evening entertainment, and smiling faces can be seen all over the community and students have fun during this day of service.

Last year, Beavers near and far completed service projects in more than 10 states and on campus. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Beaver family members remain committed to Education for Service.

Committee

If you have any questions or suggestions for Buenafication Day feel free to contact a committee member.

2023 Committee Members include:

Staff: Megan Wescoat, Brianna Pounds, and Trevor Berneking
 

Students high five while raking