Announcing the 2025 Dorm Decor Contest winners!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Dorm Decor Contest! We loved seeing your personalities shine through your decorations. Congratulations to this year’s winners:
1st Place
Sofia Alshikhly ’29 and Aubrey Sanders ’29, Tarble Hall
This room wowed the judges with its coordinated color palette, handmade touches, and striking and creative lighting. The room’s muted colors go well together, and fairy lights and other decorative lighting give the room that cozy vibe at all hours of the day, but especially at night.
We asked Sofia …
What move-in or dorm-decorating advice do you have for other students?
“We suggest that you work with your roommate on what kind of vibe you guys are both going for (like colors/themes) so you can create a space together that is cozy and homey.”
What’s your favorite thing about your room?
“My favorite thing about our room is definitely the lake view. But if we were choosing things inside of the room, I would have to say our homemade garland that is draped across our window, I feel like that really ties the room together.”
What do you like the most about living in your residence hall?
“What I love most about living in Tarble Hall is that it’s an all female space. It feels really special because we’ve built a supportive community together, and it gives us a safe, comfortable place to recharge away from all the busy, chaotic fun of campus life!”
What did you buy that you ended up not needing?
“Extra toiletries. Only take what you use on a daily basis and maybe a perfume or two! You will not have enough space for it all.”
2nd Place
Emma Olson ’29 and Brianna Frohning ’29, Denhart Hall
Emma and her roommate talked all summer to coordinate their room decor, and Emma spent more than 20 hours making things like signs and garlands.
We asked Emma …
What move-in or dorm-decorating advice do you have for other students?
“Think about what makes you feel at home. Fill your room with the things that will make your nest the best.”
What’s your favorite thing about your room?
“The garlands and handmade decor.”
What do you like the most about living in your residence hall?
“All of the amazing friends I have made! Our dorm is so welcoming and people love to hang out here.”
What did you buy that you ended up not needing?
“A shoe organizer for your clothes.”
3rd Place
Eli Peterson ’29 and Cole Lundsten ’29, Denhart Hall
Eli and Cole’s room highlights all of their favorite things, such as the movie posters of their favorite movies and the NFL banners because they love to watch and play football.
We asked Eli …
What move-in or dorm-decorating advice do you have for other students?
“Cover your walls to make it feel less like a dorm and more like a home.”
What’s your favorite thing about your room?
“The lighting of our room with LED lights.”
What do you like the most about living in your residence hall?
“The community that we have built up on our floor.”
What did you buy that you ended up not needing?
“A large fight club poster that I did not have room for.”
Honorable Mentions
Madelyn Zolecki ’29 — Elevated Elements
“Our room stands out because we put a lot of thought in matching all of our decor to make our bond stronger.”
Madison Bazylewicz ’26 — Best Single Room
“My decor is very personal and unique. Each piece tells a story and embodies my personality. For example, I have two bulletin boards with pictures, postcards, playbills, and just little things that are important to me. I also have on my fridge, magnets from trips I’ve been on, more photos, and a drawing I made in one of my classes sophomore year. All the things in my room help make Carthage my home away from home!”
Reese Staniak ’29 — Next-Level Coordination
“Our dorm room is pink and super cute while also being cozy.”
Rachel Paddock ’29 — Best Handmade Carthage Swag
“We made the bows and the curtains. Also, the shelf in between our beds was handmade specifically to fit our fridge and the room, which has been amazing. We also both have cute Carthage gear and even a DIY Firebird pillow!”
Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:
Office of Marketing and Communications
For more information, contact:
Olivia Nichter: onichter@carthage.edu