By MICHEAL MCCUTCHEON ’26
Updated 11:50 a.m. EDT, 31 Oct 2025
Shenoween is a Halloween event hosted by the men’s Residence Life (Res Life) team in collaboration with Campus Activities Board (CAB). It is open to all students and faculty to attend and enjoy the festivities. It is traditionally held at Shenawana Hall (Shen) except for 2022-2024, when Shen was closed.
When Shenoween returned in 2024, a few changes were made. That year, the men’s Res Life staff was a combined two-dorm staff with Shen and Rothenbuhler (Roth) Resident Assistants (RAs) due to Shenawana’s limited number of residents and RAs. Since there was a small team, Roth RAs, like Ryan Kullander ’27 and Cater Hall ’27, were a part of last year’s event.
Shenoween 2024 consisted of a “haunted tour” throughout Shen with a party held in the basement lounge. During the haunted tour, groups were led into rooms set up to cause a fright or even a laugh for the participants. Leading you around from room to room would be an RA in character: an average Houghton tour guide with a Halloween twist. Two of the tour guides were Ben Unger ‘27 as the ghost of Houghton’s past and Logan Carrol ‘25 as a zombie tour guide. You might walk by “The Island of Eternal Tickling,” “Imprisoned Curious George,” or “Early Christmas.”
When asked about Shenoween 2025, Men’s Resident Director Joey Schunemann ‘24 said, “This year we are changing Shenoween a little bit since we can’t do haunted tours through occupied floors of Shen. Instead, we’re planning to return to the woods from the yonder days of ‘Haunted Houghton.’” He explained that, “last year was a high bar to match with great campus engagement and high effort from everyone on the RA team.”
Shenoween has always been a popular campus event, and one that requires all hands on deck. Every member of CAB and male RA help plan and run the event.
Schunemann looks back fondly on his memories of Shenoween, “I think it’s a blast to get to experience a real Houghton Halloween party, and it’s an excuse to get to dress up, chit chat, explore the woods, and hang out with friends. In undergrad, I never missed the CAB Halloween party, though I was admittedly usually running it, and getting the opportunity to bring it back to Shen after all these years is a treat.”
CAB President Emma Podobinski ‘27 shared that CAB’s main task is picking decorations and planning how to make the space feel fun and festive. They also take care of getting themed snacks and prizes for the costume contest winners. There are drinks, snacks, music, a dance floor and plenty of CAB members dressed for festivities and ready to turn the party up to eleven.
Podobinski stated, “I think Shenoween is a very fun opportunity to celebrate Halloween! It’s a great time to socialize and gather with friends. I didn’t know what to expect with my first Shenoween last year, but was blown away with the effort Res Life put in as well. It was an amazing time! I definitely recommend coming to check it out.” ★
