SA and Residential Life host uStart Block Party

On Saturday, January 11, the Student Association and Residential Life teams welcomed students to a uStart block party to begin the new semester. During the day, students had attended church and enjoyed the windless weather, some choosing to go ice skating on Holmes Lake. However, the evening was free and many students attended the party located in the ThunderDome starting at 8 p.m.

The event included a smoothie bar supplied with both dairy and soy-milk smoothies, as well as other foods. The trail mix bar was a big hit and consisted of goldfish, pretzels, m&ms, sweets and nuts. Aubrey Edwards said she enjoyed the many snack options because there was something for everyone. Alongside the trail mix bar were club sign up sheets, encouraging new and transfer students to add their names to the rosters. Naan bread pizzas were also available, freshly cooked in the back room of the gym.

Kaitlyn Porter said, “This event was memorable and it was fun attending the event with friends. I especially enjoyed the Catching Sticks game as it was a good challenge. 

Some of the highlights of the evening were various games set out around the space. The IRR club constructed a climbing rope setup, and students were able to pull themselves all the way up to a beam on the roof. The club also showcased their balancing rope which was a hit at last semester’s club rush. Many students also congregated around the ladder toss set up in the center of the gym and some demonstrated skilled techniques. 

In the center of the dome, tables were set up for students to gather around and talk at, supplemented by various card games set out for them to play. Aubrey Edwards said she enjoyed meeting new people and reconnecting with the old ones. S Residential Life team members periodically walked around and provided a variety of snacks for students to enjoy. Many students questioned why there was blue masking tape stuck to each package of oreos and cliff bar. Dean Emily said, “It’s because there’s money on some of them!” And so the frenzy began. Some students came away from the evening with dollar bills in their pockets. Others left with pockets teeming with cookie packets and protein bars. 

It was a helpful way for students to get to know each other outside of class. 

by Jenna Wilson