California State University, Stanislaus strives to give students a well-rounded college experience by providing events to participate in outside of the classroom. The University Student Union (USU) located on campus specifically focuses on providing these extracurricular activities for students.
The USU Board of Directors sponsored the 34th Birthday Bash on March 11 from 11 a.m – 1:30 p.m. The birthday bash was held in a few locations, including the USU lobby, Carol Burke Lounge, the game room and the quad.
The USU is responsible for maintaining facilities on campus, coordinating special events and fostering a higher level of campus pride. The inspiration behind the event was not only to celebrate the years that the USU has been around, but to also raise awareness of what the USU offers.
The Birthday Bash lived up to its name with an array of activities for students to participate in. A photo-opt spot was set up, as well as caricature artists and henna tattoo stations, for those wishing to capture the moment in memorable ways. A DJ and live dance performances set the celebratory mood. Like any birthday celebration, there was cake and a variety of other free food.
A highlight of the event was the dunk tank, where students were given the opportunity to dunk members of the USU Board of Directors.
Students could also volunteer to be dunked. USU event coordinators set up tables and chairs in the grassy area of the quad, where students enjoyed the food, music and the company of friends.
The event was a hit, with students hanging out in all of the locations. Some students hung around the entire time, others stopped by during breaks between classes. Even students passing through the quad who had no idea about the event stopped by to check it out.
USU has come a long way in the 34 years that it has been a part of the campus. 1991 marked the beginning of a project to expand the USU, which was completed in June 1992.
Since then, little renovations here and there have been carried out in effort to meet the needs of CSU Stanislaus students.
Students were in agreement that the most appealing aspect of USU’s event was that it was free.
There was an excitement among students to participate in an event at no cost and celebrate an aspect of CSU Stanislaus that contributes to the fun campus atmosphere.
“I think it’s really cool that everything is free,” Joanne Saba (senior, Pre-nursing/Psychology) said. “It’s easy access for students since it’s right on campus.”
Overall, USU’s birthday bash was well-received.
“I think it’s the most fun thing they’ve had in a while,” Chelsea Orian (junior, Kinesiology) said. “Especially since it’s free!”
USU hosts other events throughout the semester. Under the direction of the student union is the Warrior Activities Center, ASI/USU Programming, Recreation & Wellness and Marketing Team.
You can follow the USU on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to be in the know about future events.