Although it may not feel like spring, Gannon’s Activities Programming Board (APB) has launched its annual Springtopia event to try and help students make time for fun before finals.
Each spring APB chooses a theme and plans a week’s worth of free events and activities around campus. Alexis Rodriguez, the APB public relations chairperson, said APB choose a ‘90s throwback theme for this year.
“I thought it would be clever to have it be about the ‘90s because it is a fun period and the freshman class is the last of the ‘90s kids,” Rodriguez said.
Jolene Sinclair, the president of APB, said free shirts that will match this year’s theme will be given out at each event. Free food will also be available at some events.
The next event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday in Waldron and will involve arts, crafts and balloons.
During this event, students can pick out and stuff their own stuffed animal. Another activity will be street sign decorating. There will also be a balloon artist on-site who can create a variety of creations from animals to objects.
Two events will be taking place Thursday. The first is a relaxation program. Students can visit the Waldron piano lounge from 3 to 7 p.m. and receive chair massages and can partake in using an oxygen bar.
“I am excited to attend the relaxation event because we are coming close to finals and I think a moment to relax would be great,” Rodriguez said.
The second event will be a showing of “In Procedure” at 7 p.m. in Room 219 of the Waldron Campus Center. The movie is about some of the challenges refugees have faced in Europe.
Friday will be Bingo 2.0 at Club LaRicca at 8 p.m. Ana Mayher, the APB special events chair, was responsible for planning many of the activities. She said this will be the biggest bingo APB has hosted yet; there will be several large prizes for the winners.
After bingo there will be a ‘90s dance at The Knight Club from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sinclair said students are encouraged to dress like your favorite ‘90s star or character.
“I’m most excited for the ‘90s Dance,” Sinclair said. “Our goal for this year was to kind of shake it up and do something different.”
Mayher said APB collaborated with the Black Student Union (BSU) for this event. There will be a DJ playing throwback music.
“APB typically doesn’t host parties, but I
think this event will be a lot of fun,” Mayher said.
Springtopia will conclude Saturday with a performance by Eric Mina at 9 p.m. in Room 104 of the Zurn Science Center. Mina is a certified hypnotist who incorporates a comedic element throughout his performances.
“My favorite thing about Springtopia is the whole campus coming together to celebrate a semester well done,” Sinclair said. “I hope to see a lot of campus out for these events; most importantly that these students are having fun.”
Summer Young, the Residence Hall Association (RHA) president, said RHA created an annual program called “Spring into Summer” that will be held from 5-8 p.m. Saturday between Finegan and North halls. Young said there will be a bonfire with s’mores.
Young said she thinks Springtopia has grown because multiple organizations have collaborated with APB for the first time this year.
“There’s something for everyone,” she said.
Mayher said Springtopia has grown over the years. More students have been participating and the event itself has grown.
“I really just hope to see students enjoying the events and taking a break from all the craziness of studying for exams in the next couple of weeks,” Mayher said.
More information about the events can be found at EngageU.gannon.edu.
BRITTINY LENE’
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