Spring officially sprung at Point Park with the help of the Campus Activities Board (CAB). From musical performances by Disney movie stars to inflatable games and ice cream trucks, the annual “Spring Fling” marked one of CAB’s biggest turnouts yet. The event even featured a 2010s nostalgia theme, with music, fashion and activities inspired by the decade.
CAB’s preparation heading into the “Spring Fling” began in January. Organizational leadership graduate student, Elliot Geary, shared that this process was a major undertaking.
“The executive board begins by planning the theme, and from there some of our larger committees will go into smaller detail planning as the months go on,” Geary said. “This really tests our ability to project manage, dealing with different students’ schedules, ensuring they get proper breaks and things like that using our problem solving skills.”
The “Spring Fling” took place on April 11. It was held on the fifth floor of the student center. The hallway was lined with students offering hair tinsel and face painting services, as well as an artist drawing caricature art. Upon entering the gymnasium, the musical artists occupied the left side and inflatable obstacle games occupied the right. Various activities such as Wii games were available.
First-year musical theater major Brendan Stewart admits that this event surprised him.
“Initially I was brought here for the food. I really wanted a free meal, and there’s an ice cream truck,” Stewart said. “But now I see that this type of outing really creates unity between students and gives us an opportunity to connect with each other.”
Nostalgic bites such as chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks and french fries were offered. Goodie bags containing fake flip phones, snap bracelets and mini toys were also supplied.
What attracted first-year PR/AD and advertising major Chloe Humway were the musical performers Matthew “MDOT” Finley, DJ PDogg and Nick Poprocky.
“Honestly I think that the Camp Rock guy was my original reason for being here, but it was a really fun environment with great music, which is why I am staying,” Humway said.
A huge part of many students’ childhoods were Disney films such as the Camp Rock series. Matthew “MDOT” Finley played “Luke” in Camp Rock 2 and sang fan-favorite song “Fire.” Now, he travels and performs at a variety of different bookings. Him and partner DJ PDogg performed a set list of 2010’s hit songs. They encouraged a dance party and sing-a-long that left many students star-struck.
“I am always inspired by the college crowd, just kind of creating that vibe, giving them a good time,” DJ PDogg said. “I encourage all students to remember that your college experience is what you make of it. You dictate the energy that surrounds you and create the energy. Keep bringing something to the table and making it happen.”
Both performers shared insightful and inspiring messages.
“I hope these kids take away from my performance to just never stop going,” Finley said. “I’ve been here since Disney. I’m not stopping, and I came here to show you guys that anything is possible.”
The “Spring Fling,” didn’t only end the semester with these musical performances. The event had a variety of 2010’s nostalgia. CAB Event Coordinator and sophomore computer science and accounting major Sam Alawandhi said he believed this event was a great opportunity for students.
“It’s a great way to walk down memory lane and feel like a kid, which I think people really get a sense of comfort from, so it brings people together very quickly and very easily,” Alawandhi said.
