Starting at midnight on April 8, the One Day for Dawgs fundraiser raised over $500,000 for different student causes across campus.
Students also gathered outside the David L. Eisler Center for a rage room activity and an optional donation to the homecoming scholarship, which recognizes students who embody the university’s spirit. Candidates are selected for their leadership and campus involvement.
Students are elected by the student body through a voting process held during fall festivities, and the winner is announced at the homecoming game.
The rage room event, put on by Entertainment Unlimited, featured various items students could choose from, such as glass cups, plates, TVs and other malleable items.
The event gave students the opportunity to relieve stress and address personal matters amid exams on the horizon.
Business senior and vice president of Entertainment Unlimited, Cervonte’ Plair, talked about what led them to choose this activity over other suggested activities.
“Creating the event, we wanted something that grabs students’ attention, that they can still do for free. An event that was fun and thrilling, but hands-on and immersive at the same time,” Plair said.
He explains that the funds aim to assist with things like the food pantry, other scholarships and resources to fix up dorms.
The event’s purpose is also to improve students’ on-campus experience, relieve stress and give students an outlet.
The mental health aspect also plays a key role in this event. For some students, this may be their only way of self-expression.
“Just having that tool available is amazing because we have other resources like the personal counseling center or even sleeping pods. Letting that emotion go without having to talk to someone if students didn’t want to, giving a different way to express those feelings,” Plair said.
He says that with the majority of college students experiencing high stress due to academic pressures, time management and financial concerns, this event was just one step in the right direction for pulling someone out of a dark space.
Mathematics junior Kamari Hicks touches on the homecoming election process and how students are involved.
“To be able to vote on the homecoming ambassador and to have a say makes all the difference on campus. I feel like it’s just a good opportunity to feel included,” Hicks said.
She explains that often it seems like she, along with other students, is only attending school and doesn’t feel like she has a say in the decisions being made.
Hicks adds that donating to the cause is very important because some people cannot afford a meal plan. Having resources like a food pantry can be a lifeline for some students.
“A stress was lifted off my shoulders after being in the rage room with the challenges of everyday life. Normally, we want to break stuff, but we can’t because you will have to pay for it. So this was just an outlet that was really needed,” Hicks said.
She explains that these kinds of experiences show that they are paying attention to their students and care about what they may be going through.
Student engagement administrator and advisor of Entertainment Unlimited, Ben Avery, concluded the event with his final thoughts.
“I think it’s pretty evident in itself that the rage room is very popular, allowing students to blow off some steam during what is a very challenging time.”
Going forward, he looks into doing another event like this and reaching an even further donation goal.