Comm Ave Fair Returns

At last year’s first annual Comm Ave Fair, College of Fine Arts students lead participants in a dance to the beat of African drums. Photo by Kalman Zabarsky

For two hours this coming Monday, September 5, a mile-long stretch of Commonwealth Avenue will morph into a carnival midway for the BU community, with Marsh Plaza mini-golf and inflatable sports matches joining more quirky offerings such as a Student Employment Office–sponsored coin toss, a School of Engineering stapler giveaway, and tattoos courtesy of the School of Education. It’s the second annual Comm Ave Fair, a shorter but ramped-up version of last year’s maiden event.

Beginning at 2 p.m., the rain-or-shine event, sponsored by the Dean of Students Office and Events & Conferences, welcomes newcomers and old-timers, from incoming freshmen to returning students to faculty and staff.

“I hope it is as successful as last year, and that we get returning students coming out to the event,” says Kenneth Elmore (SED’87), dean of students. “I want our new students to come out and experience all that we have to offer as a University. I hope they meet some interesting people, see some departments they want to visit again, faculty they want to take classes with, and classmates they can be friends with.”

At the School of Management, students will team up to create a name, logo, and advertisement for a new area cupcake bakery, says Dorise C. Gruber,
assistant director for freshman affairs. “The competition will be judged by two SMG marketing faculty members, who will evaluate submissions based on creative content and the use of promotional ideas in the ad that would draw new customers—students—into the store. First prize is a $75 gift certificate to Bertuccis, second prize is a $50 gift card to Scoozi, and third prize is a $25 Starbucks card.

“We plan to have students learn at least one stress management relaxation technique in exchange for a chair massage,” says Michelle George, wellness coordinator at Student Health Services, which will also hold hula hoop contests.

“CFA is looking forward to showcasing our student work at the Comm Ave fair,” says Patricia H. Mitro, College of Fine Arts senior assistant dean. Visual artists will offer complimentary portraits, Mitro says, theater seniors will give “stage combat” demos along the avenue, and the SuperStar Tuba Quartet will perform near the BU Bridge, not far from the CFA building at 855 Comm Ave.

Some other highlights, by address

928 Comm Ave

The School of Hospitality Administration is sponsoring Dunk the Dean and a raffle for an iPad 2.

Agganis Promenade, 915 Comm Ave

The FitRec Center invites you to compete for prizes in a cornhole toss and a relay using first-aid skills and offers live-streaming video of the BU All-Access Show.

881 Comm Ave

Enjoy a chair massage, live music, and other stress relief activities courtesy of Student Health Services.

871 Comm Ave

The College of General Studies offers a giant Class of 2015 beach ball signing, cotton candy, and temporary tattoos.

GSU Plaza, 775 Comm Ave

Kick back at the Howard Thurman Center with snacks and conversation, learn about blogging at Mugar Memorial Library, and spin the Information Services & Technology Help Center wheel of prizes for an iPad 2 or a MacBook Pro.

Marsh Plaza, 735 Comm Ave

BU Sustainability encourages you to reduce your carbon footprint—and get a free reusable mug. Watch a RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) demonstration courtesy of the BU Police Department, play mini-golf, and jam with College of Arts and Sciences faculty (bring your own instrument).

Morse Auditorium parking lot, 602 Comm Ave

The College of Engineering is giving out ice cream. And staplers.