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By Carlee Nigro
October 9, 2026
A Hackettstown Firefighter is ready to throw wood into the blooming fire at the Bonfire on Oct. 9, 2026 (photo by Carlee Nigro).
Centenary University’s Student Government Activities once again partnered up with our Men's and Women's Wrestling Teams to host their Annual Bonfire on Friday, Oct. 9 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Anderson Field.
The Bonfire featured free pizza, s’mores, various flavors of Poppi provided by Student Activities, an outstanding stroll performance by Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc., and a corn hole tournament hosted by the Wrestling teams.
“The bonfire has become a Centenary tradition,” said John Garriques, head wrestling coach. “Traditions give people a sense of identity, stability, and connection across generations. They bring us together through shared experiences and give each new group of students something to carry forward.”
Students of all years love being able to go to the bonfire every year and enjoy it each time.
Co- Executive Managing Editor, Carlee Nigro, and Editor-in-Chief, Samantha Swayze, enjoying the fire at the Bonfire (photo by Jordan Henderson).
A group of students enjoying their time together at the Bonfire (photo by Samantha Swayze).
Madi Macfawn and Kayla Lima, Student Government Activities president, smiling together at the Bonfire (photo by Samantha Swayze).
“This was my first time going to the bonfire and I had so much fun,” said Samantha Swayze, junior writing major. “I enjoyed spending time with my friends and staying warm around the fire together.”
“The bonfire genuinely was the funnest night of the school year so far,” said Angel-Jewel Cottrol, freshman social work major.
One of student’s favorite aspects of the bonfire is the big flame lighting up Anderson Field.
“I start collecting pallets wherever I can find them,” said Coach Garriques. “Pallets burn quickly, so we need a lot of them, which takes time to collect. Then we need to get a permit from the National Forestry, and then the SGA, and Jamie Weingarten, help with the local fire permits, hiring the fire department, along with the food and DJ. So it is a team effort all across the board, along with EOP, who helps with the s’mores, and having the small fire pits going during the bonfire.”
Students toasting their marshmallows for their s'mores at the Bonfire (photo by Samantha Swayze).
The sisters of Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc. (from left to right): Amanda Lorenzo (senior criminal justice major), Kayla Moralas (alumni), Grace Tyler (alumni), Katelyn Shaw (senior elementary education major), and Carlee Nigro (senior writing major with minor in criminal justice), together at the bonfire (photo by Samantha Swayze).
“The fire was very impressive this year and warmed my soul,” said Erin Cooper, senior independent studies major.
It is safe to say that the bonfire was once again a success!
“This year's bonfire was amazing, as there is nothing like watching a community come together with the help of the SGA, EOP, and SAAC,” said Garriques.
Make sure to check out the next Bonfire during Family and Alumni Weekend in 2027.
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