SpearsFest 2026

Driven by Purpose: Learning That Lights the Future

SpearsFest is where Columbia College shows what we're made of.

Named in honor of our 12th president, Dr. R. Wright Spears, SpearsFest is an annual, campus-wide celebration of scholarship, creativity, service, and experiential learning. It's the day our students, faculty, and staff step into the spotlight, presenting the research, art, leadership, and community work that defines what it means to be a Koala.

This isn't just an academic conference. It's a living expression of who we are: a community grounded in service, committed to social advancement, and designed with intention.

Classes before 5 p.m. are canceled campus-wide to ensure the entire community can participate. Because at Columbia College, showing up for each other is part of the experience.

View this Year's Program

Why SpearsFest Matters

At Columbia College, we're building something different. Our students don't just learn, they lead. They don't just study problems, they solve them. And they don't wait until graduation to make a difference.

SpearsFest is where that work becomes visible.

This year's theme, Driven by Purpose: Learning That Lights the Future, is a reminder that education isn't passive. It's about being moved to act, driven by something that matters to you, creating work that matters to others.

From classroom presentations to poster sessions, from senior capstones to collaborative panels, SpearsFest brings together the full spectrum of student scholarship and creative work. It's a day to celebrate resilience with purpose, highlight education with intention, and recognize the ways our community is integrated for impact.

Whether you're presenting, attending, or cheering on a classmate, this is your day to be part of something bigger.

What to Expect

• Conference-style presentations and panels — Students, faculty, and staff present original research, creative projects, and experiential learning stories throughout the day in classrooms and event spaces across campus.
• Poster presentations — Visual presentations of research and community engagement in the Edens Learning Commons.
• Presenter Celebration — Before the poster session, we gather in Spears Concert Hall to honor every presenter by name. If you present, you stand. The room sees you. You earned it.
• Evening showcases — The celebration continues into the evening with featured programs in Cottingham Theatre and Goodall Gallery, including senior capstones and performances.
• Community recognition — The Caroline Whitson "Leadership That Makes a Difference" Awards are presented during the Opening Session, honoring students and community partners who embody purpose-driven leadership.

Get Involved

SpearsFest is for everyone. Whether you're presenting, nominating a peer, or simply showing up to support, your presence matters.

Nominations

Student Award — Recognizes a graduating or rising senior who has demonstrated a commitment to community service and service learning throughout their undergraduate career. Recipients demonstrate social awareness and a willingness to affect social change through service.

 "Leadership That Makes a Difference" Student Form
 

Community Partner Award — Recognizes an organization that demonstrates a commitment to human rights within the communities in which they work or do business. Recipients embody social responsibility as part of their organization's strategic planning. 

 "Leadership That Makes a Difference" Community Partner Form
 

Proposal submissions are now closed for SpearsFest 2026. Stay tuned for the full lineup of presenters!

SpearsFest isn't just an event. It's proof of what happens when a college is built around service, purpose, and intentional education.
It's the day we show the Midlands, and ourselves, what Koalas are capable of.