Taste the nation
Free food and free fun: What could be better on a perfect spring day?
Last night from 5 to 7, the Alumni Association hosted its food extravaganza, titled the Nation's Flavor, at Alumni Hall.
Alumni Association student members sampled delectable dishes, including New England clam chowder, New Orleans jambalaya, Mississippi southern greens and Georgia peach cobbler.
In addition to tasty treats, the Nation's Flavor also featured live music that filled the open air, enhancing the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the event.
"The idea for this particular event came about because at this University we have a lot of people who come from all over the country and are headed to various regions upon graduation," said third-year College student Anne Greenfield, an Alumni Association intern who helped organize the event. "It seemed like a great way to encompass many regions of our country, their foods and their people."
But the main purpose for this and similar Alumni Association events is to increase membership.
"Our main focus during these events is to acquire as many new members as possible, primarily fourth years since they are almost gone," said Helen Dwyer, the assistant director of the Alumni Association and a University alumna. "We are as flexible as possible with members paying their dues. Nothing is expected until their schooling is completed, and that includes graduate school."
A mix of students attended the event. There were fourth years who joined a month before graduation and first years pleased that they accepted the early opportunity to get involved.
"I signed up in the beginning of the year because the first event sounded like a great way to meet people and eat great food," first-year College student Elisa Marks said. "After today's event, I am definitely happy with my early decision to join. I am looking forward to more events like this in years to come as I begin to support this University."
The University Alumni Association was formed on July 4, 1838, and was only the sixth group of its kind in the United States.
What originally began as a fund-raising organization is now a self-sufficient, membership oriented association for alumni and friends of the school.
"The Alumni Association provides an excellent opportunity to become more tightly knit with students and the University," first-year College student David Tejtel said. "Every night before I go to sleep, I thank god for choosing to be part of such a fantastic organization."
- Daniel Stern
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