Clayton Koff
Staff Writer
Every year during the first week of school, ISU groups facilitate a slew of on-campus activities for the purpose of bringing the community closer together, especially for incoming freshmen.
The new semester brings another opportunity for students to experience these on-campus events.
While college can be a daunting experience, on-campus events can help ease the transition as well as provide a great atmosphere to make lifelong friendships. Most of these events, such as Cold Butts and Beer, Welcome Back Orange and Black and various dance parties all occurred last week.
“The event started about 12 to 13 years ago.” said Mike McPeak, one of the organizers of Cold Butts and Beer. “We wanted to bless the campus and to be a part of an event that gives back to the campus as well as have a good time.”
Cold Butts and Beer is an ISU tradition. Organized by the student organization Chi Alpha, the event itself consists of students sliding down the giant hill on Bartz Field atop ice blocks. It’s an annual race where students can win prizes, make friends or let loose.
On-campus events can also greatly benefit student morale. They can serve as stress relief and provide a safe and fun place for students to mingle and build relationships that can sometimes last a lifetime, a sentiment that McPeak mirrors.
“With events like these you can find a best friend,” McPeak said. “I’ve had alumni students call me up saying, ‘Oh, I love that event, I met my wife there.’ And that’s what I think is special about these things, it’s where lifelong relationships are birthed.”
Cold Butts and Beer is one of many events that students can partake in during Welcome Week.
Every semester, the Pocatello-Chubbuck community puts on Welcome Back Orange and Black, a gathering that includes tours, performances, games and other activities for the entire community. Some students say that without on-campus events, the experience, atmosphere, and community would not be the same.
“Campus events are the best,” said sophomore Brooke Burnham. “It gets people involved and lets the students connect with each other and the rest of the campus community. Events are definitely great for the morale of students because they help us keep our sanity. It gives us something fun to do when we need a break from our studies.”
The events are not just limited to the first week. A popular event that is put on by the Student Advisory Board (SAB) is Bingo, which makes its return to the PSUB this Thursday.
“College is not just about homework and that’s what I like about these events,” said sophomore student Beyda Garcia. “College is an experience like no other and the people are what really make it great. Part of what makes ISU special is its tight knit community, and students no matter how new or old can find something that strikes their fancy.”
