By Valentina Toro
Managing Editor
Cowboy hats, plaid shirts and the challenge of staying on a mechanical bull transformed the Residence Life Quad into a taste of the country as students gathered for Southern Hospitality.
The Programs Council, hosted “Southern Hospitality” on Sept. 8 from 7-10 p.m., giving students a night away from classes with food, games and activities designed to bring the campus community together.
“I think the biggest thing we wanted to do was an escape,” Craig Huydic, the graduate intern for ProCon, said. “An opportunity for students to catch a break, to just get outside, be with each other, do a couple of fun activities.”
Students tested their balance on the mechanical bull, pose at a rodeo-themed photo booth and try their hand at a lasso game. Cowboy and cowgirl hats, food and refreshments added to the country atmosphere.
For Huydic, the night was about more than just the activities. He said ProCon’s nighttime programming is intended to give students an opportunity to temporarily put aside the responsibilities that come with classes, assignments and work.
“Really, the base of all of our events is to let you kind of close your eyes from school for a minute and just have fun,” Huydic said. “Nighttime committee does a great job at having these events at night and letting you relax.”
As the evening continued, “Southern Hospitality” also became a place for students to spend time together outside of the classroom.
For some freshmen and commuters, events held later in the day can provide another opportunity to become involved with campus life.
Commuters who attended the event said they discovered “Southern Hospitality” through OwlConnect and Instagram. They decided to attend because they wanted to become more active on campus during their first year.
“We’re commuters, so we just want to get active in this, and we’re freshmen,” early childhood education major Julie Cole, a freshman, said. “We just wanted to come out and hang out with people.”
Students said they enjoyed watching others attempt the mechanical bull and liked how the theme played off the university’s name.
Nighttime programming can also give students a different experience from events held during the school day.
Students said residents have an opportunity to leave their dorms and participate in campus activities, while commuters have a reason to stay after their classes instead of immediately heading home or to work.
“I feel like it helps commuters get out too, because we’re here during the day, but then at night it’s like time to go or go to work,” early childhood education major Isabella Velasquez, a freshman, said. “But then, when there’s something to do when we’re free, it’s like, it’s great.”
Huydic said relaxation and fun were two of the goals behind “Southern Hospitality,” but friendship was also an important part of what organizers wanted students to take away from the event.
“I hope people remember the people,” Huydic said. “I hope they make friends, and I hope those friends stay with them for the rest of their semester.”
