It’s a month into the semester. Midterm exams are creeping up and the temperatures are dropping. But that didn’t stop Spirit Week from exciting students around campus last week.
Spirit Week, run by the Student Association, is the largest club-oriented weeklong event on campus and led up to the homecoming football game this past Saturday. Events, like a chicken wing eating contest, sumo wrestling and zip lining were held every day on campus throughout the week to create a friendly competition between student clubs to see who possesses the most spirit.
By participating in at least three Spirit Week activities, SA clubs were able to receive one participation credit, which is part of the yearly requirements for all recognized clubs.
“It’s a time when you can show your pride for the school and actually enjoy your time here rather than focusing on academics right away,” said Jason Hamlet, junior biological sciences major, who spent some time in the bounce house outside the Student Union on Wednesday afternoon.
While some students enjoy Spirit Week and have been looking forward to it, others feel like it was a blur, which might have to do with the rainy weather and falling temperatures this week.
“I feel like it’s been really quiet this year,” said Jalyssa Gordan, junior exercise science major. “I haven’t seen as much promotion as I did in the past years.”
Family Weekend, a tradition for UB during which students and their families are reunited to enjoy the homecoming weekend festivities, was also held.
A campus carnival was set up Friday night on North Campus including free rides, games, prizes and more. It carnival ended with a Pep Rally, bonfire and fireworks by the shore of Lake LaSalle.
Saturday was the homecoming football game as UB played against Bowling Green. KC and The Sunshine Band entertained the crowd before kickoff during UB’s Tailgate Concert Series.
Though Buffalo lost the game, Bulls pride remained strong throughout, as parents and students alike cheered on their players.
Some families sought out an alternative form of entertainment on Saturday, which was provided by other clubs and organizations.
The Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Wellness Center and the Intercultural and Diversity Center welcomed members and allies of the student LGBTQ community for a free breakfast.
Off-campus destinations, which require pre-registration, included a bus trip to view Niagara Falls from the American side. There was also the Great Pumpkin Farm trip that included entertainment such as a petting zoo, face painting and contests like pie eating, scarecrow making, and pumpkin decorating in a more traditional farm setting.
“I think it’s necessary to have Spirit Week because while everyone is going through their first exams,” said Erica Nedd, junior sociology major, “it helps us stay positive and have fun while trying not to stress out too much,”
Jessica Bain is a features staff writer. Features desk can be reached at features@ubspectrum.com.
