Inside Rensselaer, February 13, 2009: “18 on ’86” Winter Carnival for Campus Community Feb. 28

“18 on ’86” Winter Carnival for Campus Community Feb. 28

It’s official — the world’s most famous groundhog saw his shadow. According to legend, this means that the already long winter will continue for six more weeks, giving Rensselaer plenty of time to celebrate with a Winter Carnival that will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28. The event, titled “18 on ’86,” will take place on ’86 Field from 1 to 5 p.m.

The free carnival — held for Rensselaer students, faculty, staff, and their families — will feature up to 18 different types of winter-themed activities. Special highlights include: ice skating, trying out a simulated snow board machine, carnival games, balloon dart games, an ice carving demonstration, caricature artists, and horse and carriage rides around the ’86 Field track.

The festivities will kick off at 1 p.m. with remarks from Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson, Grand Marshal Kara Chesal ’09, and President of the Union Rob Odell ’09. The opening program will feature performances by Duly Noted, a newly formed all male a cappella group, and members of the Taiwanese Student Association showcasing the Lion Head Dance. Additional entertainment will be provided by Rensselaer’s student radio station, WRPI.

“Traditions are an important part of university life,” said President Jackson. “This year’s Winter Festival revives an old tradition that has been dormant for decades at Rensselaer: a mid-winter celebration that will bring together students, staff, faculty, alumni/ae, and members of the Board to warm the spirit in the midst of cold weather, enjoy colorful seasonal activities and entertainment, and engage in good-spirited competition.”

“Through a number of mediums over the past few years, students have expressed interest in having more campuswide events at RPI,” said Chesal. “At the Student Leadership Clambake, students spoke out asking for an event like this and as it comes into fruition, many student groups are interested and excited about participating in the carnival. This carnival will provide students with an opportunity to take a break from the rigors of academics and reinvigorate their spirit.”

"This carnival will provide students with an opportunity to take a break from the rigors of academics
and reinvigorate their spirit," said GM Kara Chesal ’09.

To warm things up, a bonfire is set to flare up at 3:30 p.m., accompanied by music from the Rusty Pipes. The event also serves as an opportunity to show some school spirit in support of the Senior Appreciation Night hockey game featuring the Engineers vs. St. Lawrence University. The game begins at 7 p.m. in the Houston Field House.

Prior to the carnival, members of the campus may see a lot of activity taking place on ’86 Field as teams of resident assistants, learning assistants, residence director staff, and their residents work to create a snow sculpture masterpiece. Residence Life will announce the winner of the Snow Sculpture Contest during the event.

The carnival is being supported by the Office of the President and members of the Cabinet. Additional groups involved in coordinating the event include Residence Life, the Rensselaer Union, Habitat for Humanity, the Red & White Student Organization, Terra Café, the Inter-fraternity Council, the Juggling Club, Sodexho, and the Student Advisory Council of the School of Engineering, among others.

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Inside Rensselaer, Strategic Communications and External Relations
1000 Troy Building, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, N.Y. 12180 or to leibat@rpi.edu.

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