Springfest

Springfest this year was reminiscent in looks of anything but spring. Mud volleyball was replaced by an indoor event at a swimming pool. There was no sun. Unlike usual Springfests when the ground is covered with trash and gritty melting slush, the ground was covered with snow. The different look of Springfest can be attributed to the fact that we are having unusually cold weather and that the event was a week earlier than usual. (At least this gives me hope that by next week, the ground will be dry, the sun will be shining and it will be practical to wear something lighter than coats and boots.)

Springfest is usually a really social part of campus. This is why it is unfortunate that the bad weather kept many students from attending. Anyone who was around on Friday could note the differences from year’s past. Student activities said that by their estimates, numbers were down from last year. This isn’t surprising considering that the trademark events of the festivities, mud volleyball and outdoor barbequing, were brought inside due to cold weather.

In the future though, Springfest activities, should be back to their lukewarm-weather norm. Lydia Anderson, Wood Center director said that the change in dates was mostly just a miscommunication and oversight when the class schedule was made. She said that for 2010, the calendar is set so that Springfest will be at its normal date. Springfest 2009, is already set at an earlier date like last year, but Anderson said she is trying to get it set so the weather will be more pleasant than this year.

Sun Star Struck

You lucky readers, you. I am pleased to announce that at the Alaska Press Club, your campus paper was voted second best weekly in the state. We followed The Homer Tribune which took first place and beat out Anchorage Press, which got third. Kudos to last year’s staff, because two of the issues that helped us win the title came from the 2006-2007 academic calendar.

Also, congratulations to last year’s editor, Nate Raymond who won best profile for his story, “Fighting for Equality,” as well as a third place for his article, “UAF seeks lessons from Virginia Tech.”

Naomi Hagelund’s article on campus thefts, “While they were sleeping,” won for best reporting on crime or the courts, small newspapers.

Last year’s Springfest photos won second place for best picture story by Nicolette Sauro.

- Lacie Grosvold, Managing Editor