On Monday, Oct. 6, Lee University hosted its 32nd annual Dorm Wars competition. More than 600 students, faculty, and supporters filled the Paul Dana Walker Arena to cheer on participants as the New Hughes and Medlin men’s team and the Cross, Tharp, Simmons, and Livingston East women’s team were crowned the 2025 champions.  
 
“This year’s Dorm Wars event was a huge success,” said Chris Gates, executive director of student life at Lee. “Students had an incredible time competing while raising awareness and supporting local nonprofits.”  
 
The highly anticipated tradition brings together Lee’s residential students in the spirit of friendly competition, with a focus on giving back to the community. Each team competes to raise awareness for local charitable organizations chosen by their residence halls.  
 
The event kicked off with choreographed team introduction dances, where students showcased their themes and team spirit. Energy and creativity were on full display as each dorm team hyped up the crowd and judges.  
 
Dorm Wars opened up the competition with its signature fast-paced shopping cart race, followed by this year’s mystery event, King of the Hill, where students in bubble soccer suits battled to knock opponents off balance. To close out Dorm Wars, contestants competed in the traditional obstacle course, which required competitors to leap over a four-foot wall.  
 
Second-place honors went to the men of Bowdle and O’Bannon and the women representing Sharp, Davis, Keeble, and Dirksen Row.  
 
As part of the event’s charitable mission, each of the winning teams has selected a local nonprofit that will receive volunteer support and scheduled service days from their respective residence halls throughout the academic year, sponsored by Lee.  
 
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Dorm Wars a success,” said Gates. “From the faculty and staff volunteers to our tech and media services teams, and especially our Residential Life and Housing staff who’ve been preparing since July – this event is a true team effort that reflects the energy, creativity, and heart of our campus community.” 
 
To watch the livestream of Dorm Wars 2025, visit vimeo.com/showcase.