Sword-shaped balloons and the smell of popcorn filled the air as UB's weekly student magazine held its first annual "Generation Day."
The day featured a bake sale, free giveaways, face painting, an Elektra Records table and a New York Public Interest Research Group table to support the Student Association's rally against Gov. George E. Pataki's proposed tuition increase and cuts to financial aid.
Although the event provided the magazine with added exposure to students and potential advertisers, Generation Editor in Chief Scott Frauenhofer said there was no sole reason for holding Generation Day.
"I cannot say that we had a specific reason for doing this, except that we get to occupy the Union for a day and annoy the hell out of everyone," said Frauenhofer.
According to Gabrielle Peterson, associate editor for Generation, the event was productive because it encouraged feedback from the students.
"It is fun because a lot of people come up to us and tell us what they like and do not like," Peterson said. "People figure out that we are human and do not just stay in our office all day long."
According to Anne Marie Bourget, business manager for Generation, the Elektra Records table and the NYPIRG table were important aspects of Generation Day.
"All of our tables are components of what goes into our magazine," she said.
Dave Wood, a street team member of Elektra Records, was on hand to advertise and get word out about their company.
"It probably appeals to the same crowd," said Wood.
Even though Generation Day was coincidentally scheduled for the same day as the anti-tuition hike rally, Frauenhofer said the events were beneficial to both Generation and the rally organizers.
"We can get more exposure for the magazine and get more people checking out the rally," he said.
Marquis Woolford, a senior English major who participated in the SA rally, said the overlapping times of the two events allowed more students to speak against the hike while at Generation Day.
"Organizations that come from different backgrounds allow more diverse people to come together for one goal," said Woolford.
Rachel Gucwa, a senior anthropology major, came over to find out about the tuition hike, when she stopped by the Elektra Records table.
"I always come to see whatever they have in the Union," Gucwa said. "I like the free stuff."
Jim Simon, a junior sociology and environmental studies major, was just passing through the Union when he stopped to check out Generation Day.
"I think it is cool that Generation is here because they have touched on a lot of social issues that are important to students," Simon said. "It is good to see a set of tables that are not about spring break."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
