School Spirit

DISCLAIMER: The following opinion piece contains the views of the writer; not those of the producers, PAWS Web Radio, the advisors, Adelphi University, the Board of Trustees, the faculty, or the Administration. Reader discretion is advised.


I can not believe it is May already! Being someone who is incredibly involved on campus, this was one busy year. One thing that I hope changes in the coming semesters at Adelphi is the lack of school spirit this whole semester. Could it be due to the recession? Are students watching every penny that they spend? Are they working more?

Last semester the only events that had a vast amount of people in attendance were “Midnight Madness” and when Michael Phelps came to Adelphi. After that, people seemed to disappear. This year I worked hard with the executive board (e-board) of United for Multiculturalism and Joint Advocacy (U.M.O.J.A.) to plan “Black History Month” in February. We had an event for everyday of the week that month. Our biggest event was the Trey Songz concert which had raving reviews but soon after there was no support towards any of the other events.

People are forgetting that not only do students dedicate time to planning these events but the events cost thousands of their dollars. Each student pays a “Students Activity Fee” of $100.00 and an additional $25.00 if they reside on campus that goes towards most of the events held on campus. Yet, although some are aware of this, they still do not care.

As someone who does work hard to plan events like “Spring In”, which is an annual week of events here at Adelphi, I feel disappointed and embarrassed. The Class of 2011 had Stevie Starr, a comedian, who appeared on Letterman, for the opening night of “Spring In”. Although, we had a warm crowd anyone could see that the other 170 chairs were empty. The only event that had a mass amount of people was the last day of “Spring In” that included a huge tent was set up outside Levermore lawn with free games, food, music and other activities.

As a first hand witness to empty events I have to say that I only hope school spirit on campus increases next year. I hope that people are excited to get involved and although education is important, placing your mark at your school is part of your college education as well. Everything one does at college is incorporated into a learning experience that makes or breaks our individuality.

Written by Felicia Singh
POsted by Editorial Director Vincent Pastore, PAWS Web Radio