The heart and soul of a university often lies within its steadfast traditions. More than just fun rituals, these aspects of college life are a part of the community’s heritage and create an irreversible sense of belonging. From quotes emphasized at first-year induction ceremonies to the color tassels worn on graduation day, traditions are what bring student, faculty and alumni together. Fairfield University has its own fair share of traditions. From riding the Stag to spending senior year lost in the crowded walls of The Grape, there are many diverse traditions laced within the history of the university. Yet, arriving back to campus for the spring semester, there is something that just seems lacking.
Although Fairfield students will always make their mark on the beach and senior traditions such as the mock wedding ceremony still stand strong, an event that brings all grades together is missing, aside from heading home after a long week of finals.
Don’t get me wrong; there are still many events held on campus that can bring out the pride and spirit in any Fairfield student. Nothing unites a university together more than an albeit somewhat civil college rivalry – I’m looking at you Sacred Heart. Still, there’s nothing that creates the rush of having to stress over purchasing a ticket or picking out the perfect outfit for a campus wide event.
Reminding you of something? Yes, I am speaking to Pres Ball. I mean, what’s more fun than tearing up the dance floor – on campus? Plus, who wants to pass up a free Super Duper Weenie? Students don’t have to worry about rides, finding someplace to spend their Friday night off campus or even angry townspeople (we know their pitchforks and torches come out every year after SantaCon). Holding the ball on campus would also increase the safety of the students, as alcohol and substance consumption could be more heavily monitored and rules surrounding these more strongly enforced while on university grounds.
So why doesn’t Fairfield University have a dance for the spring semester? Many colleges, even neighboring ones such as Yale, participate in the idea of a Spring Fling. A celebration with incredible music, delicious food and even better company, this dance is a way for students to connect with one another during the spring semester.
So why is Fairfield lacking? Suppose the university is able to hold a dance during the freezing autumn nights of the fall semester. Why are students not able to participate in one during the warmer spring months, where the temperature increases and the sun stays out for longer?
I believe that a Spring Fling ball would be the perfect way to not only deter students from constantly partying at the beach, creating animosity between the university and the town, but it would also be an incredibly fun way to encourage students to create a strong sense of community amongst one another, creating bonds that could last for generations of Stags.
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