It’s three weeks into the semester and there have already been popular events on campus, with more ahead as the semester continues.
A few of the biggest events coming are the Celebrity Concert Series, which kicks off on January 30, with the Golden Dragon Acrobats and Dixie Fest in the Spring.
“In the past we’ve had Dixie Fest, and we’ve had big names come like Macklemore,” said Scott Mathie, director of student involvement and leadership. “This year’s Dixie Fest is going to be similar. We haven’t announced who it’s going to be yet, but we are super excited for Dixie Fest this Spring.”
The festival is the one big concert event Dixie State University Student Association hosts every year in the Spring. Mathie said they are announcing who is performing at Dixie Fest on Feb. 21 at Casino Night — an event where students can dress up and have fun playing for chips, which can be turned in for raffle tickets to win prizes.
Events like Casino Night and the more recent Intergalactic Dance are very popular among students and attendance has not been an issue because of the hard work DSUSA puts into marketing each event, Mathie said.
Mathie said new ideas from the school community are welcome and students can drop by DSUSA, or send a direct message via Twitter or Instagram with their suggestions and they will see if it is possible to make them happen. There may even be a chance of making open mic night a reality.
Students are able to find out about concerts and events through Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, the DSU website and the flyers around campus. Even with all of the advertising, there are students who are unable to attend.
Carolynn Ortlund, a freshman criminal justice major from Phoenix, AZ said, “I don’t really know very much about events on campus because I have to work nights, and that’s usually when they are.”
Despite the amount of marketing for events, Ortlund said, “[There’s] not enough…publicity about the events. Usually I tell people about things and they’re like, ‘Oh! I didn’t know that was happening.’”
Ortlund said she and other students are more likely to attend events when it is something they are into, or consider worth going to — when there is food for example, or the music is “hip.”
Alexis Stockman, a freshman criminal justice major from Heber City, said she was scared when she first arrived at DSU. She said being able to go to events and meet new people helped her get serious about staying at school.
“Getting out in these events and socializing with other people, you build yourself up,” Stockman said. “Finding people that are going on different paths, it’s like motivation or inspiration to continue in doing what you are doing.”
Events such as dances, movie nights, concerts and being part of the community helps students build the bridges that will affect their lives after graduation.