By Brandon Cortés
Tau Kappa Epsilon hosted their annual Pumpkin Smash, a fall tradition that combined stress relief with philanthropy. Students took turns hurling pumpkins onto tarps outside the Adanti Student Center, raising money for the fraternity’s upcoming events and charitable causes.
Biology major Michael Brandi, a sophomore, said the Pumpkin Smash has become one of the fraternity’s most anticipated fundraisers each fall.
“Sometimes, we raise money for our chapter, and other years, we donate it all to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is our national philanthropic partner,” Brandi said.
The event gives students a chance to let loose while supporting a good cause. Each participant donates a small fee to take part, and proceeds go either toward chapter activities or to St. Jude, depending on the year’s fundraising goal.
Brandi said pumpkins are gathered from local farms or donated through campus partners.
Special education major Quinn Eyrich, a junior, said the Pumpkin Smash has been going strong for three years and continues to grow in popularity.
“This is my second year doing it,” Eyrich said. “We’ve been running this event for three years now, and it’s always a great way to bring people together.”
The event’s atmosphere was lighthearted, a mix of laughter, friendly competition and the satisfying sound of pumpkins shattering on impact. For the fraternity, though, the fun is grounded in service.
TKE has long partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising funds to help cover treatment costs for families affected by childhood cancer.
Psychology major Ivin Garcia, a senior, said he is proud to see the chapter maintain that focus even in a casual, campus-centered event.
“When we do it for St. Jude’s, all the money goes directly to the hospital,” Garcia said. “It all gets put into treatment. That’s what makes it meaningful for us.”
Beyond fundraising, events like the Pumpkin Smash also help the fraternity strengthen ties with the university community.
Students who stop by often learn more about TKE’s mission and its ongoing charitable efforts.
Brandi said that while this year’s funds will help cover chapter expenses for future programming, philanthropy remains a central value for all members.
As the last pumpkins were cleared away, fraternity members reflected on how something as simple as smashing pumpkins could unite students behind a cause.
The event, they said, was less about competition and more about community. It offered a chance to unwind, laugh and contribute to something meaningful
“It’s fun, it’s messy and it’s for something good,” Brandi said. “That’s what this event is all about.”
