If you have been at Rensselaer for a few years, then you might remember a little thing called the Union Challenge. In case you have no idea what I am talking about (either you’re too young or just plain forgot), I will review the premise: About two years ago, in the spring of 2007, the Union Executive Board charged the students of RPI with providing their feedback and insight on issues that the board felt was important. For 10 weeks, the board posed a question to the student body, requesting answers in the form of one-page responses. The questions asked addressed issues that revolved around both the Rensselaer Union and the entire campus. And, oh yeah, students were bribed with the prospect of receiving a free iPod for the best response of the week. (On a sidenote: no less than half of the people reading this just said to themselves, “Oh, that’s what those iPods were for.”)
The first question of the Union Challenge was as follows: “Describe the event, activity, or organization that is missing at RPI which would have the greatest impact on your out-of-the-classroom experience.” From that question, almost 80 people responded with their ideas for what they thought this campus needed. Ideas submitted were broad and diverse, ranging from new clubs to ideas for events. A common theme in responses, though, was a campus-wide event, a “carnival,” if you will. Also mentioned was the explicit request for a “winter carnival”-type event. This was not the only time that a request like this has been made; in fact, I have heard whispers of winter carnival wishes for a few years now.
So fast-forward two years, and what do we get? What we have is the “18 on 86” Winter Carnival, being held on Saturday, February 28 at 1 pm on the ’86 Field. This wintry blowout celebration, which is generously supported by personal donations by President Shirley Ann Jackson and members of her Cabinet, will feature free ice-skating, live ice-carving, photos with Puckman, horse-drawn carriage rides, a bonfire, and much more. A winter carnival at RPI has been a long time coming, as it has been desired by the student body here for quite some time. So on February 28, I would like to officially invite everyone to make the trek to the ’86 Field to celebrate the winters here in Troy that everyone loves (and sometimes hates at the same time). The opening ceremonies start at 1 pm sharp; I hope to see everyone there. Did I mention that the whole thing is free?
