Spirited events on campus
Halloween is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate Halloween than with some spooky and fun events that are happening on campus. UHCL has kicked off its Halloween festivities early and will continue throughout the month.
The “Dracula” Ballet. Oct 14-16
This event, presented by the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theater, was performed at the UHCL Bayou Theater. This ballet tells the story of “Dracula” in the form of theatrical dance. This was part of the ballet’s 41st season. The ballet decided to bring “Dracula” back after a 6-year hiatus.
“We like to keep productions such as ‘Dracula’ in our reps, and we rotate it every few years,” said Judy Harper, ticket sales and box office representative.
“Whoever saw it thought it was fantastic!” said Vivian Elser, tickets and box office representative.
The ballet’s next scheduled performance is the story of “The Nutcracker,” which will be preformed Dec. 2-11.
Pumpkin Patch, UHCL HILL, Oct. 20.
The Campus Activity Board (CAB) created a pumpkin patch on the UHCL hill. This one-day-only event was free, and students were encouraged to and take photos with the pumpkins. Pets were welcome as well. This was the fourth year that UHCL has had a pumpkin patch.
After the patch was over, students were encouraged to “adopt” a pumpkin for free.
“This event will be fun for the whole student body to enjoy for Halloween,” said Makayla Ellis, president of CAB, when planning for the event.
UFA Costume Party, Oct. 22
The University Forest Apartments (UFA) will host a Halloween costume party Oct. 22, 7-10 p.m. This party is exclusively for UFA residents and their guests. There will be appetizers, food, a photo booth, music, dancing and drinks and lots of fun!
Stephanie Sanchez, a UFA employees, said that the best part of the party is the decorations because the facility goes all out with them.
The Pumpkin Carving, ISS, Oct 27, 3-5 p.m.
The Intercultural Student Services (ISS) is hosting a free pumpkin-carving event for the Strictly Speaking program. Strictly Speaking is a program that pairs international students with American students to help them feel more comfortable living in America.
“Many of these international students are coming here for the first time, and they’re looking to make a friend, and they’re also looking to meet up with new people,” said Nhee Vang, coordinator for the office of Intercultural Student Services.
This is the second time for ISS to hold this event. T ISS would like to make it more inclusive with other students, but the budget has not been sufficient enough to expand the program at this time. To find out more information about the Strictly Speaking program, contact Nhee Vang at vang@uhcl.edu
UHCL’s Staff Costume Party, Atrium II, Oct. 31, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
On Halloween day, the staff at UHCL will have a costume contest in Atrium II from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The “Spooktacular Social” encourages faculty and staff to get to dressed up in their favorite costumes.
Contestants register the day of the event in either the individual category or the group category. There is a first, second and third place prizewinner for each category. The first place winners of the group prize have lunch with the President of the university . The other winners receive gift cards ranging from $20 -$50.
“There is usually musical entertainment by two or more employees leading up to the actual judging of the costumes where contestants line up and walk across the front of the stage to display their costumes,” said Berenice Webster, executive secretary in the Office of the President.
In past years, the staff has worn a variety of costumes that range from witches to superheroes. Last year’s grand prize winners were from the Financial Aid Office. Their group was called “The Villains.” Some appeared as Disney villains such as Maleficent and Cruella Deville while others dressed up as iconic villains such as the Wicked Witch of the West.
In 2014, the grand prizewinners were from the Copy Center. They dressed up as “The Addams Family”. Webster said the event is a great opportunity for faculty and staff to enjoy themselves at Halloween. For more information, contact Berenice Webster at Webster@uhcl.edu
Dia De Los Muertos, Nov. 1, Atrium I, 12-4 p.m.
The Intercultural Student Services (ISS) will be hosting Dia De Los Muertos, a spiritual celebration recognized by many people across Latin America to remember their loved ones who have passed away. This event will have traditional Dia De Los Muertos food, cultural activities, music and crafts.
“There is an observance, usually an altar, essentially a celebration of life for those
who’ve passed,” said Erika Garcia, coordinator for intercultural student programming.
There will be a big alter where students can tack on little notes about loved ones that have passed. Christine Kovic, associate professor of anthropology, and her class will be presenting this altar for students to remember their loved ones. Several smaller alters created by UHCL students, faculty and staff will also be on display.
“It is very spiritual and cultural and can be very emotional,” Garcia said
“It is not for entertainment, and it is not Halloween. This event could have inspired Halloween, but Dia De los Muertos is not Halloween.”
