By Taylor Breckles (Contributor)– Email
Print Edition: September 11, 2013
SUSpocalypse served up entertainment for UFV students last Wednesday with live music and free food. Hosted by the Student Union Society (SUS), SUSpocalypse is part of the larger Weeks of Welcome (WOW) celebrations.
Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the delightful smell of barbecue and the chatter of happy students waiting. In mere minutes the first band started to play, thus completing the university image; it was like a scene from a movie, complete with background music.
The sounds of the band could be heard throughout campus, drawing more students toward its origin. The event had barely begun and was already packed, with lines longer than the one outside Tim Horton’s. The barbecue of corn on the cob and hamburgers was more than enough to entice students, but there was also free SUS swag.
As I wandered the event grounds, I noticed that the band provided a good distraction for those waiting in line, and some entertainment for those who had their food. College rock rhythms from Big Damn Heroes and Minnesota Nice fit the scene well. Students passing by that section of campus stared at the band and booths with interest as they went; expressions of longing marked faces too as some students left, most likely to attend class.
Along with the barbecue and live music, there was also a SUS booth, climbing wall, sumo wrestling station, and dunk tank. The SUS booth provided information about the student union and gave away free merchandise such as its signature planner that is released every year. Mugs and reusable bags were also up for grabs, products that caused many students to drop by the booth. Even if students originally came by to snag some free stuff, many didn’t leave the booth before signing up for the SUS volunteer opportunities and talking with a SUS rep.
According to Natalia Deros, SUS Clubs and Associations representative, there were “lots of volunteers.” Deros, who had a major role in organising SUSpocalypse, said the event was “heartwarming” – her goal of throwing a good party where people could have a good time and connect was achieved. “Pretty much everyone from campus is here,” she said.
SUSpocalypse turned out to be the perfect welcome to new students and returning students alike – a great kick-off to the fall semester.
