The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Residence Life hosted a free block party on Friday, Sep. 23 in the field between Crownhart and Curran Mcneill-Ostrander halls. Residence Life provided food, drinks, games, and music to UWS residents living in the residence halls on campus.
Students gather outside to enjoy a BBQ. | Photo by Adam DeMuth
The event was conducted as an effort to welcome students to school, as many of the attendees were first year students or returning students who had been away from campus for the summer vacation.
Brena Darwin, a member of the Residence Life team and current resident of Hawkes hall found the event to be more than just an opportunity for free food. “It’s really great to see all of these residents outside of the residence halls and gathering together to enjoy the festivities,” Darwin said. “It creates a sense of togetherness that we have been missing over the past few years.”
The block party also provided international students an opportunity to experience some of the cultural activities that are staples in the Midwest. “I have never been to a campfire before, but I love the smell and taste of the barbeque,” said Tianshang Zhang, an international student originally from Suzhou, China. “I think I will convince my parents to get a campfire in our backyard back home.”
With an estimated turnout of over one-hundred residents, Residence Life is already planning for future events that bring people together in the winter season. “As it gets colder out, we’ll probably move towards hosting more indoor gatherings,” said Mathew Crandall, the hall manager of Crownhart. “It’s so great to see everyone enjoying themselves, I think winter events will still provide everyone with the same feeling of community that they got today.”
