By AUDREY DOTY ’29
Updated 11:50 a.m. EDT, 6 Nov. 2026
Autumn has officially arrived at Houghton University (HU), with its colorful foliage and the smell of pumpkin spice on the brisk morning breeze. For many people across the country and the world, the changing season brings anticipation for classic fall activities such as going apple or pumpkin picking, carving pumpkins, making pies and the holiday: Halloween.
For Christians, Halloween can be a widely debated topic based on how it’s presented in the modern day. To some, it’s seen as celebrating the devil; for others, it’s just a chance to dress up and show your creativity. However, HU is a unique place where Christians of all different backgrounds are free to express their opinions and beliefs on different subjects with respect and kindness.
Students like Macos Pares ‘29, Seth LaCelle ‘29, and Jean-Marie Elwell ‘29 shared their thoughts on Halloween. Pares explained that he didn’t really celebrate until he was a sophomore in high school, and that even then he would only dress up and didn’t participate in trick-or-treating. He further explained by saying that “My family associated it more with evil stuff like witches and ghosts, because that’s what tends to show up in movies.”
On the flip side, LaCelle and Elwell had different upbringings when it came to celebrating Halloween. LaCelle’s parents encouraged him to go trick-or-treating, and he has very fond memories of doing so with friends and family, although he notes that he stopped dressing up and trick-or-treating sometime between middle and high school. Similarly to LaCelle, Elwell grew up dressing up and trick-or-treating, but her parents made sure to differentiate between the gory Halloween and the fall-fun Halloween.
When they were asked if celebrating Halloween had an impact on their faith, they all had very similar answers that celebrating had no effect. Pares explained that it all comes down to who you hang out with and how you choose to view the holiday and stated: “I don’t think celebrating will prevent you from keeping God at the center.” Elwell explained that Halloween “is a great excuse to dress up, have all too much candy, and an excuse to enjoy being scared.” LaCelle agrees, stating that his faith is unaffected and concurs that he also enjoys the holiday for the fun and candy that comes along with it.
All three of the students offered ideas for things or events that they would enjoy seeing implemented around this time of the year in the future. Pares and LaCelle are interested in understanding the historical significance of Halloween. LaCelle suggested incorporating an around-the-table panel or session with possibly a few of the history professors on campus, so that students could gain a greater knowledge and understanding about Halloween and its origins. Elwell also mentioned wanting to implement a campus-wide costume day; she explained that she wished that “it was more encouraged.”
Events like Shenoween, where on Oct. 31, CAB (Campus Activity Board), in partnership with Shenawanna, will be hosting its annual and infamous Halloween party in Shenawanna’s basement level. This year, the men’s residence team has decided to put on a “frightening escape room!”
Other events this Halloween weekend include the Fall Fest Pep Rally on Oct. 30, where members of the men’s basketball team will participate in a dunking contest and attendees will be welcome to join in several types of trick-shot contests. Join in Trick-or-Treating with the ladies in East and Lambien residents’ halls on Oct. 31, where all ages of the community members are welcome to trick-or-treat through both female resident halls. With all these options, there is something for everyone to participate in, so students should enjoy all that Houghton has to offer this autumn and Halloween season. ★
