Flyer for Ice Skating Event.
@MANHATTANEDU / INSTAGRAM
Andrew Mannion Senior Writer
This past Thursday, Jan. 15, Manhattan University’s (MU) student government hosted an on-campus ice skating event located directly on Walsh Plaza. While students finished up their fourth day of classes, they were also able to let loose and enjoy the setup rink without much travel from the residence halls.
Student government has hosted a variety of events over the past few years, mostly focused on improving campus life and student well-being, with this event being no different. Dozens of students gave the rink a go and were provided with complimentary ice skates, free of charge.
Members of student government were looking for an idea to help address a timely challenge: getting students to spend time outside with the campus community, despite the frigid temperatures.
Lamika Randell, the executive assistant of student life, spoke about how student government came up with the ice skating event to fit the cold weather.
“This event came together through a collaboration between student life and student government as a way to welcome students back at the start of the semester,” Randell said. “The idea formed as we looked for something fun, interactive and seasonally appropriate that would bring students together in a relaxed setting. The Jasper Rink was a perfect fit, and offering hot cocoa added to the overall experience and sense of community.”
With the spring semester typically holding more events towards its second half, the ice skating event served as a way to help pass the time before the weather gets warm. Randell went on to speak about how student government prioritized the constant entertainment of all who participated.
“We saw so many Jaspers brave the cold and come hang out with their friends, which is the goal of any event,” Randell said. “We just want to provide a space and opportunity for students to get together, and this event definitely helped accomplish that.”
Students felt the event was impactful due to its positive outcome. Anthony DeCastro, a junior at Manhattan University, spoke about how he appreciated the event and the community it fostered.
“I think it’s important for building a community in the school to have events,” DeCastro said. “It was a pretty good time. We had a lot of people come out. It was great to see.”
This is just a start for both student government and the recreation and wellness departments on how they hope to provide students with engaging events. Nicole Brosnan, the director of student engagement, noted how the large showing and great energy helped make the event worthwhile for all who came.
Brosnan emphasized how she would not only help come up with more ideas, but also make student ideas come to life.
“I’d love to see more events like this on campus,” Brosnan said. “We’re always working on new ideas, and we love to hear students’ ideas to see if they have anything they want to see brought to life on campus.”
Randell confirmed that MU’s student government has another event within the month. The men’s volleyball team will also hold events at their future games in order to get the sixth borough cramped in support.
“As part of our continued efforts to bring more excitement and engagement to campus, we invite the entire student body to come out on Jan. 23 for the inaugural volleyball match at Draddy Gymnasium, sponsored by the James Patterson Honors Program,” Randell said. “On Feb. 5, the energy continues as we come together to support the men’s basketball game, also sponsored by the James Patterson Honors Program. Both events promise nonstop excitement and school spirit.”