Students on campus during January Interim often find themselves with an abundance of free time during the break from the hectic schedule of the regular semesters. Just in case all of that free time is proving more tedious than relaxing, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) is offering a packed schedule of events to liven up what may otherwise be a month filled with boredom.
CAB has established a board of officers specifically for planning events during J-term, and the standard executives on campus also lend their support.
Junior Brita VanOsdol is serving as one of the J-term CAB Presidents.
“It’s kind of a good trial run if people are interested in being on CAB next year, that’s what I did freshman year,” VanOsdol said.
She noted that she has been pleased with the general attendance at the events this January.
“I think all of our events have been doing pretty good this J-term, which is exciting,” VanOsdol said.
Sophomore Nicole Pexa, another CAB member, noted that one of the committee’s goals is to create alcohol alternative events during the month during a period where many students have a lot of free time.
Earlier this month, CAB sponsored a trip to Wow!Zone as well as a bus to the Mall of America. Events have also included weekly activities, such as Decades Zumba on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. and Pinterest Parties each Monday.
Sophomore Gabe Grosshuesch has been leading Zumba, which has featured music from a different decade each week. The final session will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25 in Alumni Hall and will be set to music from the 2000s.
Students also enjoyed a flash back to the Nineties last week during a revival of the 90’s Dive. VanOsdol explained that participants dressed up and enjoyed free pizza. She also noted that the number of attendees broke 100, which is a large jump from earlier attendance at The Dive this year.
“I really liked The Dive. It went really well and it was a lot of fun. We had pizza and I was worried people would just come for the pizza, but even when the pizza was gone people stayed and it was a fun time,” VanOsdol said.
Sophomore Olivia Peterson is currently serving as the CAB Publicity Executive on the J-term board, and said that her favorite events so far have been the Pinterest Parties.
“Pinterest Parties are going great. We had about 50 to 60 people last week. This week we’re kind of shooting for the same thing, and we already ran out of nails, so we’ll have to go get more,” Peterson said during the String Art Pinterest Party on Monday, Jan. 19.
Senior Elizabeth Weiers participated in the String Art evening.
“I think it’s really fun. It’s something different and it’s a good time. There’s a good crowd, so that’s exciting,” Weiers said.
The first Pinterest Party featured chalkboard decorating, and students will have the opportunity to decorate mason jars on Monday, Jan. 26, in the Courtyard Café.
Zombie Week kicked off in the middle of the month.
“People have targets and try and take them down. And then there will be a big final event where everybody that’s left tries to weed them out,” VanOsdol said.
On Friday, Jan. 23 teams of five can sign up at the CAO Desk and participate in Family Feud at 7 p.m. in the Heritage Banquet Rooms.
Teams of four can sign up for the 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. The event will be held on the Gus Young Court in Lund, and the winning team will receive $150 worth of basketball related prizes.
Peterson encourages all students to check out the remaining J-term events.
“I think everyone should come. They’re great. You just hang out with friends and talk, and it’s just a great way to fill your time instead of watching so much Netflix,” Peterson said. She also noted that CAB sponsored events offer the opportunity to enjoy larger events, like the Timberwolves game, at a much more affordable rate.
Check out the CAB Facebook page or the Gustavus calendar for more upcoming events, including a trip to Mankato to attend a speech from LaVerne Cox on Feb. 18 as well as a CAB sponsored SNL on Feb. 21 featuring comedian/balloon artist John Cassidy.
-Libby Larson