October 8, 2024 by

Rainbow over Maddox Hall.

There’s just something about the early morning hours: a steaming cup of coffee in hand, Bible open, sitting in a hammock, wrapped in a cozy sweatshirt, just soaking up Cedarville. This morning ritual has become a sweet blessing in my three years as a Maddox resident and is just one benefit of living in Maddox Hall.  

The Heart of Campus 

Maddox Hall is one of the original mainstays of campus. During conversations with past alumni, they mentioned that when it was first built, it felt far from the heart of campus, which then centered around the Apple building. Now, Maddox is close to everything. Did you wake up at 9:50 a.m. and need to make it to the chapel on time? Maddox never lets you down. Do you have thirty minutes for dinner and need to swing by Chick-fil-A? Maddox is just a short walk away. As a broadcasting, digital media, and journalism major, I’ve spent many a late night in the lab just across the parking lot from my bed.  

A Sweet Treat 

Not only are all the main buildings close by, but all the main businesses are too. Of course, I’m talking about the college student’s best weapons for late-night studying: snacks and drinks. Cedarville Village Market, Dollar General, and Mom and Dad’s stock a wide selection of candy, chips, and even frozen treats. Make sure you add a line item in your budget for snacks, because living in Maddox gives you direct access to all the late-night munchies you need. Plus, it is a great opportunity to have fun with your unit-mates. There’s nothing like a late-night Mom and Dad’s run to make you feel the rush of college.  

Courtyard Life 

One of Maddox’s best features is the courtyard, a green space tailor-made for relaxation and recreation. If you move to Maddox, buy a picnic blanket, basket, and hammock for all your outdoor activities. I’ve seen bridal showers, Bible studies, and sunbathing in the courtyard, and I’m sure there are many new uses for the courtyard waiting to be discovered. There is something comforting about coming back to the dorm and seeing others enjoying the outdoors. I often run into my unit-mates outside and join an impromptu study session.  

Students hanging out in the courtyard of Maddox Hall.

Unit Style 

Each unit also has a lounge that is large enough for couches, TVs, and coffee bars. This is my favorite place to study, especially when I want to procrastinate by talking to my friends about their day. This is also my favorite place to host people as an RA. The other night, we had an epic Just Dance battle, with plenty of room to brandish our Wii remotes. It also provides a way to get out of your room and comfort zone so you can get to know the people the Lord placed in your unit.  

Open Kitchen  

Another amazing feature of Maddox is our kitchen, the perfect place for some late-night baking. Just bring your own pots and pans, and you could make a four-course meal to impress your date, if that’s your thing. I love using the kitchen to cook little treats for friends. It means a lot to receive a homemade cookie during finals week. The kitchen is also part of a larger co-ed lounge with TVs, games, and chairs. We will occasionally use the lounge as a meet up place for dinner. Everyone brings in their to-go boxes to enjoy dinner together. 

Maggie Fipps and her unit mates at Maddox Hall.

Residence Life Is a Blast 

Residence life in Maddox is so fun. Our courtyard gives a laid-back air to the whole dorm, and that extends to our events. One of our favorite things to do is invite others to enjoy our courtyard with us. In the fall, we host a block party with our brother dorm, The Hill, and Spikeball and cornhole boards dot the grass. 

Speaking of The Hill, this blog would not be complete without referencing Gridiron Classic, the historic annual flag football games played between the dorms. The rivalry between Maddox and Printy runs deep, and months in advance, we begin to practice and scrimmage to play an intense flag football match. All of Cedarville huddles in the bleachers in the cold November to cheer on the dorms; it is truly a quintessential fall experience. If you ever start missing Friday Night Lights at your high school, this event is for you. 

In the spring, Maddox residents clean up their closets and sell their unwanted items in a huge garage sale. Within the units, girls grow close relationships that push each other toward Christ, and our RA team values discipleship. 

Jesus at the Center of It All 

So, we return to the beginning, with me reading my Bible in my hammock in Maddox’s courtyard. I began the blog this way because Maddox is where the Lord has worked mightily in my life, both through the people and place. On my lounge couch, I’ve cried out to the Lord in prayer and read the Word with my roommate. In the kitchen, I’ve laughed with lifelong friends who love me and Jesus. In the courtyard, I’ve enjoyed the good fun that results from the goodness of Jesus. So come experience Maddox yourself and see what the Lord will do through it in your life! 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in: , ,