To share warmth during the cold month of January, Illinois State University’s Event Management, Dining and Hospitality and Redbird Well brought students together with crafts and a movie night.
“Mugs and a Movie” gave students a chance to personalize a mug while watching “Frozen 2.”
EMDH offered multiple treats and drinks for attendees.
Students had four mug styles to choose from, as well as markers to borrow and blank canvases to color on if mugs were not their style.
After students collected their materials, they sat down, the lights dimmed and the movie began.
Over 150 students participated.
Sophomore history education major and Redbird Well assistant Nathan Redmore discussed the logistics of this event.
“We were only expecting 100 to come out,” Redmore said. “We feel great knowing our events are getting this kind of attention.”
Redbird Well strives to create unique events. They spend months brainstorming ideas that will increase student involvement.
“What will get students to come to this? How do these activities correlate? What should we have on the menu?” Redmore said. “These are just a few questions we ask to flesh out events.”
Once the event is fully planned, the only thing left is for students to show up. Sophomore earth and space science education major Thluai Par emphasized the groups of students in attendance.
“A lot of students that showed up weren’t alone; they invited their friends too,” Par said.
Senior nursing major Renee Forsyth said this kind of low-commitment event is what students could really use.
“[Students] could watch the movie and paint a mug, or talk to everyone around them and paint a mug or be here just for the snacks,” Forsyth said. “They have complete freedom on their choices.”
Events like these offer students a chance to take a small break from the stress of school.
Par said that these events are a great way for students to take time for themselves, decompress and socialize.
“Socializing can be hard when [students] are off campus; these events help them feel like a part of the community,” Par said. “Students pay a lot to be here, might as well join everyone.”
Senior nursing major Vivian Gross said some students’ busy schedules can restrict their freedom and chances to see new people.
“We haven’t seen people outside of our majors in a really long time,” Gross said. “These events are important to participate in; they build community.”
EMDH is hosting “Taco ‘Bout BINGO” from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 29 in the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center.
Melanie Ochal is a news and features reporter for The Vidette. Ochal can be contacted at [email protected].
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