Annual student organization Block Party sparks competition

Every year student organizations gather to hold a block party in spring and a booth competition. This year participating organizations were given the opportunity to build a structure that resembled one of the businesses in the local area. This theme was decided upon to generate more of a connection between the UWT campus and our community. The block party student committee lead by Catherine Wilmot, was comprised of members from several student organizations.

The members were Mai Shiomi (Vice pres­i­dent of Japan­ese Lan­guage Club), Dahabo Guyo (Pres­i­dent of Mus­lim Stu­dent Asso­ci­a­tion), our Tacoma Humane Soci­ety orga­nizer: Brenda Mabry (Pres­i­dent of Women in Com­put­ing Sci­ences), Joseph Franco (Stu­dent Adviser of Asian Pacific Islander Stu­dent Union), Niko Ahkiong (Pres­i­dent of Asian Pacific Islander), Dawit Bekele (Pres­i­dent of Black Stu­dent Union), Ray Luu (Vol­un­teer Ser­vices Stu­dent Coor­di­na­tor), and graphics designed by Stefanie McCallister (Global Busi­ness Soci­ety).

The event was held on Wednesday, May 23 in William Philip Hall with more than 20 organizations turning out to promote their club and host fun carnival themed activities for students, staff and faculty. Students were also able to purchase meal tickets for a barbeque lunch, which benefited the Human Society, who were also present at the event with a kitten that was adopted on the spot.

Every organization brought something unique to the party, from getting your Haka face photo taken by Asian Pacific Islander Student Union, to getting a henna tattoo by the Muslim Student Association, to a cultural matching activity by ISA, to calligraphy by the Japanese Language Club, to sand art at the Latin Student Organization, to the Student Activities Board hosting Sumo wrestling. There was also cotton candy, a dj, shaved ice, and a photo booth, as well as several more student organization booths.

Students were given tickets to participate at the different booths. The tickets were counted after the event to determine the Student Choice Award. This year’s Student Choice vote went to Marketing Society for their Harmon Brewery booth and dart game. Faculty were also able to vote on their favorite booth. The Faculty Choice Award went to the Ledger for the Tacoma Dome and mini rc car monster truck jam race track. Over 190 students turned out for the event. The amount raised for the Tacoma Humane Soci­ety that will be used to pur­chase goods to donate, exceeded $300,00.