Bowie State Lights Up Campus Spirit with TorchFest 2025

Weeklong Celebration Blends Tradition, Joy and Bulldog Pride

 

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.) — Bowie State University turned up the heat this spring with TorchFest 2025, an electrifying weeklong celebration held April 21–27 that brought together students, alumni, faculty and staff for a vibrant showcase of school spirit, tradition and community connection. From lively outdoor parties to heartfelt moments of reflection, the festivities offered something for everyone—and created lasting memories that captured the heart of the Bulldog experience. 

The week kicked off Monday with the campus carnival, transforming the grounds into a colorful playground of rides, games and music. Laughter echoed across campus as students took a well-earned break from finals season to relax and celebrate with friends. On Tuesday, the beloved Staff vs. Students Kickball Game added a dose of friendly competition, followed by the high-energy Splash Bash, where live music, sunshine and water play kept the vibes fun and festive. 

Wednesday was packed with a powerful mix of school pride and emotional connection. The “Put That Gold On” spirit day turned the campus into a sea of gold and black, with students proudly sporting their Bowie State gear. Later that evening, the community came together for the Suicide Walk—an emotional, reflective gathering to raise awareness and support mental health initiatives. The night continued with a stylish shift as students dressed to impress at the Bowie Bold Ball, then turned up the energy at the DJ Battle that kept the campus dancing well into the night. 

Thursday brought both fun and flair, starting with giveaways of natural hair products—helping students stock up on self-care essentials. That night, the highly anticipated TorchFest Concert lit up the stage with performances from YBS Skola, SupahBad, Toosi and Queen Key, drawing a massive crowd and delivering one of the most exciting events of the week. 

On Friday, the festivities slowed to a reflective pace with Earth Day activities and the 160th I Love Bowie Birthday Celebration, honoring the university’s legacy and bright future. The evening closed with a glowing celebration—Glow N Dark Game Night—where students danced, played and laughed under black lights in a joyful expression of campus unity. 

The energy didn’t fade over the weekend. On Saturday, Jouvert brought Caribbean culture to the yard, blending music, paint and vibrant celebration into a one-of-a-kind experience. That night’s Lock-In gave students a final chance to unwind with games, food and friends, stretching the fun into the early morning hours. 

TorchFest 2025 officially wrapped up on Sunday, April 27, with a sweet sendoff—a day trip to Hersheypark—providing the perfect ending to a week full of spirit, celebration and Bulldog pride.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.