My Davidson | A Student Blog Perspectives from Warner Porch: Spring Semester at Warner Hall

June 6, 2022

In this photo essay, Sydney Schertz ’24 documents the day-to-day of spring semester in one of Davidson’s eating houses, Warner Hall. 


About the Author

Sydney Schertz ’24 (she/her) is an Educational Studies major from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

“I chose Davidson for the rigorous academics and the lively and caring community.”


In between the cold winter months and the hot North Carolina summer, spring in Davidson is far from boring — weekends are filled with studying, placement day, fundraisers and formals. In March, the eating houses at Davidson welcome first year and transfer students into their families. Placement day heralds an exciting few months of getting to know new members, reconnecting with old, and spending time together raising money for our beneficiaries — RAIN in Charlotte, and the Mwandi Christian Hospital in Zambia; both advocate for treatment and support of those living with and at risk of HIV.

group of women on porch
a group of young men wearing dress clothes standing outside at dusk

Big/Little week is held shortly after we welcome new members into the house. The week is filled with surprise deliveries, such as a capella performances, sports deliveries, and homemade baskets made by the upperclassmen.

a group of two young women wrap lunch bags
a group of young women package food in brown bags

One service event was designated to packaging health/HIV awareness goodie bags to donate to youth in the Charlotte area.

a young woman stands speaking to a group of students

One of our lovely service chairs packing and sealing the goodie bags.

a group of young women standing on a brick porch with the letters "W" and "H"

The Warner porch is a great place to dance, hang out, eat meals together, and enjoy the view of Patterson Court.

Over the course of the spring semester I have gotten to know all members even better, connecting with them during meals, at social events, and while supporting our beneficiaries. In particular, we have been getting things back on track after the challenges and restrictions on social gatherings during the pandemic.

a group of three young women smiling in front of a pink wall that reads "Warner"
two young women sitting at a table together eating and laughing

As things slowly return back to “normal,” I am grateful and excited to see what the coming years will bring for Warner Hall.