“There’s nothing to do on campus.”
We have all heard this line at some point in our college career. Indeed, it would seem that the University is more interested in educating us than entertaining us. Fortunately, some productive students and staff have taken it upon themselves to give Saint Louis University students more options. Homecoming, plays, NET movies and concerts were just a few events that have graced the campus this school year.
This is a far cry from my freshman days, four long years ago, when activities were few and far between, and big names were tough to get on campus because of the abysmal failure of comedian Carrot Top. Things have turned around in my short time here, and with the remodeling of the Busch Memorial Center next year and a more engaged student body, campus life is soaring. Here are some highlights:
The beginning of the year brought comedian David Cross to campus for Welcome Week. His edgy comedic stylings left many students shocked. The buzz also brought students, from freshman to seniors, out in the hundreds to attend activities such as the Welcome Back Dance and soccer games, which laid the ground work for an exciting year.
Homecoming was one of the best in recent memory. More than 50 golf carts were dressed up in the annual golf cart parade as the SLU community lined up along West Pine Mall to watch the paper mache wonders drive by. The dance at Union Station was a classy venue, and the whole week was well attended.
Fall Fest featured Better Than Ezra, and I think it is the best musical act that has been brought to SLU.
There is something to be said for a band where I know three of their songs and I leave the concert loving each one they played that night. If SAB brings more bands like this, SLU can be a go-to music venue itself.
Nelly came this year, courtesy of SAB. The opening acts were lackluster, and Nelly showed up late and regale the crowd with 45 minutes of his prerecorded tracks. Wyclef Jean was far better the year before, and we couldn’t get him off the stage.
The fall also saw charity work. Campus Ministry’s canned-food drive had their first annual talent show. Acts like the male RA’s from Reinert dressing up in drag to sing Moulin Rouge was a great start to a very creative idea.
The spring saw great action also. Smaller organizations took SAB’s lead and offered their own talents to SLU. The new feminist group on campus, UNA, performed The Vagina Monologues. This controversial show sold out every night as we were entertained with sexual content of the feminine persuasion.
The Bare Naked Statues, SLU’s a cappella group sold out their Spring Concert in the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium. Their great sound and fun performances show great promise in promoting similar-minded musical groups.
The highlight of the semester was definitely Spring Fever once again from our friends at SAB. The best-attended student event this year offered everything from funnel cakes to fireworks. The Gin Blossoms dusted off their guitars and played for us along with local act Nadine, Earl and SLU’s own Stoked Mobius. I really think we should utilize local talent more often because Stoked Mobius was great.
I would not trade my years at SLU for anything, and this great school, even with all its flaws, has not even seen its best years yet. Take the time to enjoy all that this school has to offer.
Studying is why we go here, but what happens outside of the classroom is the stuff of memories. It makes college truly unforgettable-if nothing else, it saves you from doing homework.
