~ Spring Fling ~

Spring has rolled in and the closing weeks of school are finally upon us.  To usher in the end of the year, Avila University has been hosting a variety of events to send off its students. 

Students Curtis Churchman and Louis Lowe
 gather a crowd during their sumo wrestling match at the picnic

For the week of April 16 through the 22nd, the theme was ‘Spring Fling’.  There were activities for every day from Monday through Sunday.   On Tuesday evening, for example, there was a free cookout.  Not only were there burgers and brats from the grill, but there was an entire cooler full of ice cream bars, too!  A game of musical chairs was ongoing throughout the event, and winners received gift cards or free gifts such as footballs, frisbees, and the like.   Students stuck around for more than an hour after quitting time to play games with their new gifts in the quad.  Curtis Dunlap, an AU freshman, appreciated the cookout.  He brought up that, “With being on the budget of a college student, it’s always nice to get food for free and win free prizes.”  Another highlight of the week was at the student appreciation carnival and picnic on Thursday during lunch.  There were a myriad of things to do to keep entertained, from sign making and caricature artists to an inflatable obstacle course and sumo wrestling.  As Arianne Henry, an Avila sophomore, points out, “The carnival was a really great way to relax before finals start.” 

The cookout was so popular that the fresh
burgers and brats could hardly keep up
with the demand from students

Speaking of finals, in addition to ‘Spring Fling’ week, Avila is hosting a ‘Stress Relief’ week from Monday, April 30 through Saturday, April 5.  Some of the events include free massages, yoga, and late night meals for those late night study sessions that are sure to ensue. 

 These events would be nothing without the support of the various student organizations throughout campus that sponsor such activities.  Their time, support, and effort do not go unnoticed.  Student Life, GAP, and Campus Ministry were integral in putting on an abundance of activities throughout the school year, so it is no surprise that they were generous enough to sponsor this fun-filled week, too.  It is clear that students truly appreciate the various functions that occur throughout campus.  Ashley Latimer, a junior, reflects: “It’s always a nice surprise to walk out of class to an Avila Cookout. It is one of my favorite events here at Avila. Everyone comes out to enjoy the food and win great prizes.”