By Shane Baran
Every college has unique qualities to draw in students, whether it’s sports, location, or campus life. But with those come special traditions the colleges continue to practice regardless of what people think of them. Springfield College is no exception, and they may need a little reveluating. I looked into Alden Street’s most popular traditions to see if they are “Trash”, or are every college student’s favorite thing, “Cash”.
1. New Student Orientation (NSO): Cash
Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t necessarily thrilled to wear a ridiculous looking hat, scream all day, and parade around wearing a silly bandana around my neck for the first weekend of college. But yet like every student here, I got through it. From NSO, I made new friends, got comfortable on campus, and was forced out of my shell. Could it be better, absolutely, but overall it is a great Springfield tradition.
- Giving Day: Trash
I understand that a small school like ours needs alumni support, but something just feels so wrong to me about making a bunch of “hype” videos, and asking alumni for money. Especially since we make it this whole big event on social media and on campus. We might as well be honest with ourselves and call it “Begging Day”.
- Midnight Cheney: Cash
Nothing beats getting a break from the end of first semester chaos like throwing on an ugly sweater, heading over to a jam-packed Cheney Dining Hall, and getting scrambled eggs served to you by President Mary Beth Cooper at 8 p.m. The vibe is great, everyone on campus is there and the sense of community is fantastic. Also, if it were up to me, I would make Midnight Cheney happen every Friday.
- Spirit Palooza: Trash
After the outrage and change of the former spring celebration week name Sti-yu-ka, Spirit Palooza was an opportunity to rebrand. But Spirit Palooza is like if your dog passed away, and to fill that void, you got a goldfish. Alumni reflect on that week as a glimpse into what larger colleges experience right here at Springfield College. A week filled with fun and an annual concert to finish it off by a different big-name star every year. Now it’s a food truck in front of the union, Mario Kart themed balloons, and the best part is bingo in the Field House! It’s only been two years, but another rebrand is definitely needed – sorry CAB.
- “Grasshole”: Cash
This one’s simple; the school believes Springfield students should not cut corners in life, so we walk on the paths and not on the grass. Now if someone is lazy enough to cut across the grass they deserve to hear “Grasshole” rained down on them by anyone who sees it happen. Also our campus grounds crew works very hard to keep our grass PGA golf course pristine, which means we do our part by not walking on it. I believe it should absolutely stay a tradition.