Splash invites freshmen to dive in
Thousands turn out for sun, food, music, and free stuff
An inflatable slide, a mechanical bull, a bungee trampoline, many thousands of hamburgers, and the opportunity to join more than 50 student organizations drew almost all of the freshman class yesterday to Nickerson Field, where they learned how to get more fun and to give more back in their four years at Boston University. The annual event, known as Splash, introduced the class of 2010 to everything from the Ultimate Frisbee club to the ROTC, from the Synchronized Skating Club to the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, and from FitRec to the University Chaplains and Campus Ministers.
“It looks like the best Splash yet,” said Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore. “I have never seen this kind of energy at this event. And don’t forget, these kids got up before eight o’clock to join the walk to Matriculation.”
Marisa Perazzelli (COM’ 07), an activities assistant in the Student Activities Office, agreed that this year’s event was better attended than those of the previous three years, and she attributed some of that success to a recent decision to keep outside vendors off the field. “I don’t think they were missed,” said Perazzelli. “It made it easier to really welcome the class of 2010 to BU.”
Student Union President Brooke Feldman (SED ’08) said the absence of vendors this year made it easier for incoming students to see those opportunities that are really important.
“This is the best turnout I’ve seen,” said Feldman. “You just can’t beat the combination of sunshine, music, food, and free stuff.”
For three hours in midday, incoming students tested their Frisbee skills, timed their fastballs, watched fencers parry, did body-to-body combat in inflatable cushioned suits, and made a few new friends. Mainly, however, they considered the lengthy menu of opportunities for extracurricular activities.
