HAVOC at Furman!

As an incoming freshman, finding unique opportunities and organizations to get involved in on a new campus can seem overwhelming, but have no fear, I am here to tell you about HAVOC! HAVOC is perfect for competitive students who are passionate about fundraising and eager to get involved. This is one of our most exciting, and unique events that happens right here on Furman’s Campus. Now get ready because it’s a fun one!

What Is HAVOC?

HAVOC is a super exciting and energetic competition that is put on by our Students Activities Board (FUSAB) and takes over campus for one week each year! Prior to kick off, around 20 students are chosen to compete, and raise money for the charities of their choice. Some examples of organizations that students choose to support are Greeneville Humane Society, National Breast Cancer Foundation, and The SAFE Project.

At the start of the week, camping tents are set up on Furman Mall, our front lawn, where the selected students will sleep each night. Participants are not allowed to return to their dorm halls until eliminated! A fun theme adds to the excitement of the week! This year, the theme is superheroes! The 20 competitors will dress as their favorite hero for the entirety of the event as they compete in challenges and raise money around campus. These challenges range from physical tests to puzzles which help them earn extra money towards their goals.

The competitors also find fun ways to raise money on their own, like singing songs, and offering donuts for donations! Eliminations happen each night, leading up to the final night when a winner is chosen. If you’re thinking, this sounds like a reality TV show, then you’re right! HAVOC is Furman’s own live TV show, and we love it!

Why Participate?

You might be wondering, why do students choose to participate in a week-long event of challenges and sleeping outside? Well I am so glad you ask! In addition to the reward of making a positive impact on society, students gain a unique, life changing experience. In fact, let’s hear from some of our past HAVOCERS why they love HAVOC!

“Over the past two years, I have described HAVOC week as a once in a lifetime opportunity. HAVOC is not just an event on Furman’s campus; it is an impact that is felt by charities around our entire nation. The Competition is intentionally structured to promote connections you normally would not make, both with your fellow HAVOC competitors and the rest of the student body. It teaches you life lessons such as persistence, acceptance of rejection, and when to listen to your health. But most of all, this event would not be a success without the generous and supportive culture that is present in every student, faculty, and staff on Furman’s campus, and I encourage everyone to soak up the experience while they can.” – Sam Faulkner ‘26

“One thing I love about HAVOC is how incredible it is to see the Furman community come together to support such important causes! I’m so grateful to be part of a university that encourages people to come together to love both the students participating and the foundations they are representing! I will continue to encourage any and every one to sign up for this wonderful competition – there’s truly nothing else like it!”- Anna Caroline ‘26

What else are students saying about HAVOC?

“I loved participating in HAVOC because I was doing something beyond myself and connecting with Furman’s community. Raising money alongside 20 other individuals for a great cause and meeting people through it was probably one of the most impactful experiences on campus.” – Connor Perry ‘26

“Havoc is one of my favorite things about Furman! I competed my freshman year and it was a great way for me to get out of my comfort zone and get to know people on campus. I am also very grateful for the friendships that havoc brought me and for those who supported me!” – Samantha Pearson ‘27

Wrap-Up

As you can see, our students love participating in HAVOC just as much as we love watching it! So, if you are in a giving mood and want to embrace some good competition, then YOU could be our next HAVOC champion! This is a great event to involve students, faculty, and the community, for such a great cause. I know I find it so awesome to watch my classmates compete and work hard to raise money! I can already feel the anticipation of this year’s competition!

 

-Ashlyn King