Picture yourself sword fighting your friend in a duel, surrounded by a Renaissance Faire. Now relaxing on a beach with tropical drinks. Or even sitting in on a Lo-Fi Alice in Wonderland tea party. Having trouble? Cue Stevens Live.
Last year Stevens welcomed its new Director of Student Life, Leo Pedraza. He joined the Stevens community with the vision of filling gaps that our university faces in the way of programming. Through collaboration with Nina Ioanis, a Student Coordinator for the Office of Undergraduate Student Life, a series of pop-up events called Stevens Live was born.
The Stevens Live events create unique atmospheres in various locations across campus. Their storytelling aims to distract students from whatever source of stress they may be facing in that instant. Instead, students focus on relaxing and enjoying the creative environment around them.
The first event was “Lo-Fi Wonderland,” transforming Pierce Cafe with roses and other decorations to put students inside of the Alice and Wonderland story. A caricature artist drew portraits of students while a playlist comprised of Lo-Fi beats partially made by students played in the background. All the while, tea and pastries were laid out for students to enjoy.
From there, Stevens Live hosted “Babbio Beach,” a wellness event with CAPS and the Office of Wellness Education, in Babbio Atrium. Alongside depression screenings, there were activities teaching about safety from the summer sun. Students could also enjoy tropical drinks while unwinding with a masseuse or kicking back in massage chairs. Education about physical and mental health was ultimately grouped in one place for students to appreciate.
Last spring, a full-on “Renaissance Faire” was hosted in collaboration with Stevens Dining. Pierce Dining Hall was closed, and instead, students could enjoy medieval foods on Palmer Lawn. Colored fabric was draped over tents while strolling minstrels, wizards, jesters, and sword-swallowers provided entertainment. Students could even enter an arena to sword fight their friends.
When The Stute reached out to her, Ioanis explained that the events originate from brainstorm sessions between her and Leo. They take into consideration “what’s generally going on at Stevens,” as well as “the experiences we’ve both had with event planning in previous positions.” From there, they reach out to other organizations about collaboration and incorporate their ideas and resources.
This semester, Stevens Live is looking to reach out to students and coordinate a mini talent series, highlighting the talented students that comprise the Stevens community. Whether that takes the form of individual featured acts, larger showcases for consecutive performances, or receptions for artwork is still up for discussion.
Going forward, Ioanis detailed, “The nature of the events will definitely change to fit the vision of whoever takes over” once she leaves her role. “The beauty of Stevens Live is that it’s so fluid in where it can grow!”
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