St. Patrick's Day lags more than the hangovers
The multicolored lights danced across the
ceiling of the Berns Student Center; however, the dance floor was
disappointingly empty. Fewer than 50 students participated
in the recent St. Patrick’s Day Dance.
The Student Activities Committee hosted its third dance of the year, and this dance was by far the least attended. The Homecoming Dance drew in a crowd of 300 students in October, and even the overly optimistic “Victory Dance” brought in nearly 60 students after a basketball game in January.
So, why was there such a low turn out to the St. Patrick’s Day Dance?
“I didn’t expect that many people to show up [to the dance] because they are all going out to the bars,” said Dylan Pusey, a freshman resort management major.
At most SAC events, students rush to the activity for the free food, drinks and souvenirs, with many students arriving on time to beat out other students to the free grabs. However, by 9 p.m., fewer than 30 students, not including those involved in SAC, were present.
While some students sat around the pool tables, others showed of their dance skills. Around 10 p.m., Doris Jackson, director of Student Activities shut down the dance. Jackson offered the left over pizza to those who helped clean up the decorations.
“Maybe it’s a pride thing,” said Lakesha Murray, a junior sociology major and member of SAC. “Students are always complaining that there is nothing to do around campus, but when there are SAC events, they don’t want to show up.”
Some students were upset that they could not attend the dance due to sport practices. Intramural volleyball games also conflicted with the dance.
“Coach [Hay] changed our practice to a later time so that someone could watch the routine,” said Kirsten Hakes, a freshman cheerleader. “I would have gone to the dance if it didn’t conflict with practice.”
Since it was St. Patrick’s Day, many students took advantage of the opportunity to go out and drink. As the night progressed, many students were spotted by residential assistants and residents returning to their residence halls stumbling, a clear sign of drunkenness. Although some students attempted to hide their disorderly behavior, others blatantly showed off in their drunkenness.
According to an anonymous poll of 100 random students, 36 students either went to a party or bar where there was drinking. 22 students spent time with friends, with no alcohol present. 24 students chose to study through the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, while 18 students admitted to doing nothing that evening.
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