On May 1, from 3-6 p.m., the Resident Housing Association (RHA) will be hosting Daisy Fest in the Courtyard outside of Belk Dining Hall (BDH). According to Samantha DiStefano, Residence Director of Stringfield and Vann, “RHA has reserved an inflatable slide and obstacle course and will provide music, free popcorn, and soft pretzels until supplies run out.” In addition, the event will be offering “a free Daisy Fest t-shirt to the first 200 students and providing a tie-dye station.” DiStefano stated that RHA has partnered with Belk Dining Hall to “serve fun, carnival-themed food for dinner that night.”
DiStefano noted that, unlike larger campuses, Meredith College’s RHA is run by students rather than parents. She also stated that “RHA has a foundation in programming, advocacy and representation.” DiStefano also pointed out that although “RHA might historically be known on Meredith’s Campus for their Last Day of Class pancake events, the club is also very involved in advocacy, policy change and service.” DiStefano mentioned that it was students in RHA who had advocated for and proposed the change in alcohol policy on campus and had been hosting events to engage more students in service, like the Flower Power Thrift Shop hosted last year, of which proceeds were donated to The Raleigh Women’s Shelter and leftover clothes were donated to Meredith’s Iris Closet.
According to DiStefano, RHA Chair Mallory Nobles, ‘24, wanted to re-imagine the Spring Last Day of Class (LDOC) pancake events, aiming to create “an event that would bring the whole Meredith community together for a final celebration before summer began and school officially ended.” RHA Vice Chair Grace Matulewicz, ‘24, stated that “unlike the previous pancake events, Daisy Fest offers a carnival-themed experience better suited to the end-of-semester atmosphere.” The event will be held on May 1 rather than Apr. 26, the actual LDOC, in order to respect Fire and Water for freshmen, DiStefano explained. Matulewicz said that RHA hopes that “attendees will find Daisy Fest to be a stress-relieving environment, allowing them to unwind and recharge amidst the pressures of finals.”
According to DiStefano, “This is [RHA’s] first year attempting this event, and [they] hope to get as many participants as possible to celebrate with [them].” RHA has “partnered with several clubs to host small booths and giveaways, as well as the 1891 club that will provide a flower stand” for students to make their own bouquets. There will also be an ice truck, DiStefano explained. Matulewicz added that she “spearheaded the efforts to engage class and club presidents, spreading the word about Daisy Fest and encouraging club participation in the activity booth fair.” Matulewicz added that RHA “aspire[s] for Daisy Fest to become a cherished tradition that continues to bring joy and relaxation to students in future semesters.”
By Lola Mestas, Copy Editor
Graphic by Shae-Lynn Henderson, EIC
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