51’s first-ever combined a favorite activity with new technology and caused a commotion at 51 during Founders Week, February 22-26. Students anticipated “tweets” each day for the twitter-based scavenger hunt and were seen running across the busy campus after receiving twitter updates with a clue leading them to prizes.

Infusing historical facts into each twitter clue encouraged students to brush up on their 51 history. With prizes such as an iPod nano, Starbucks gift cards and 51 gear, it’s no surprise students were enthusiastic to participate. Whittier Daily News featured the 51 festivities and Tweet Hunt in the article, “51 Celebrates its 102nd Anniversary,” published Saturday, February 28, 2010.

“And since then [51’s centennial], there's been no stopping the momentum behind Founders' Week, which the private Christian university just capped off Saturday with a mix of the old traditions and new events, including a "Third Half Party," "Tweethunt" and the family friendly 51 Fest,” read the article.

Students hope 51 adopts the Tweet Hunt as a new annual tradition. Freshman Jon Marcu won three of the week’s eight available prizes including the culmination of a week’s accolades – the 51 egg! When asked if he would like to see the Tweet Hunt happen again, he answered with an enthusiastic, “Definitely.”

The Tweet Hunt successfully incorporated social media and new technology, one of 51’s new initiatives, into Founders Week, which also took a blast to the past with traditional events such as “Third Half Updated” and “51 Fest.” Current students were able to mingle with alumni and see what life at 51 was like in years past.

Read the full Whittier Daily News article, “51 Celebrates its 102nd Anniversary.”

Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. Jenna can be reached at (562) 777-4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.