Stevens kicks off the year with a fiesta

In celebration of the Fall 2014 semester, Monday night August 25 marked the sixth annual Kick-off Fiesta in Walker Gym. Residence Life plastered posters on the walls of each hall, sent colorful flyers under the doors of every room, and even went as far as creating sidewalk chalk art on Whitpen Walk of peppers in sombreros in order to advertise effectively. All new, returning, and graduate students were invited to the event, creating a diverse and fun environment for mingling. With the attraction of free “Glow Swag”, a light show, and a piñata, people crowded the dance floor. A total of 946 Stevens students showed up throughout the night – the largest turnout yet!

Attendees went for the free food, but stayed for the party. Students were given a red mark on the hand once admitted into the event, and the first 100 students to arrive also received glow sticks and coupons for Johnny Rocket’s and 16 Handles. Then, Residence Assistants handed out food provided by Jimmy John’s, Qdoba, Mr. Wraps, and Dunkin Donuts such as cans of soda, Monster drinks, chips, donuts, and quesadillas. Hayden Residence Assistant Elvin Abrue commented, “I helped coordinate the event and distributed beverages to the students that came. Many kids commented on how much fun they were having, and assured me that they would be back next time. I look forward to the other events that are coming up this year, and of course, the fun associated with next fall’s Fiesta.”

To sum it up, the night was loud and hot. You could feel the beat and hear the fun from all over Stevens campus. With electronic dance music by our live DJs from WCPR, there were several dance competitions. Prizes were generously donated by Rita’s, Qdoba, 16 Handles, Little Town, Brass Rail, Matt & Meera, Dunkin Donuts, AMC Theaters, and Johnny Rockets. It was an exciting night of best dance moves and giveaways. Congratulations to those who won showing off their skills in the middle of the dance floor.

The Kick-Off Fiesta was sponsored by the Office of Residence Life and hosted by over two dozen of the Lower Campus Residence Assistants under the direction of Steven Couras. The Residence Assistants of Davis Hall, Hayden Hall, and River Terrace Suites played a big role for making the event successful. Last but not least, Campus Police kept the event safe while all students had a blast at the Fiesta.

This event has become something of a tradition embracing Stevens’ devotion to bettering student life with an environment conducive to balanced work and play. As the new school year begins, students are encouraged to have fun and make their time at Stevens most memorable. Let’s have a great semester!