The highly anticipated annual Springfest week took place last week, starting on April 14th, and featured this year’s Jagnival theme. In the days leading up to Springfest week, the campus atmosphere was highly filled with anticipation, and students were eager to find out the lineup of the week’s events. The week was hosted by JAB, Southern University’s Jaguar Activities Board.
JAB released the exciting lineup of events on April 9th. The lineup received mixed feedback, with many students disappointed over not having a concert. In response, Mrs. Nala Anderson, assistant director of the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement, answered, “We did the best we could with what we had, and I think we did a great job. Student leaders did a lot behind the scenes to make this week happen.”
To kick off the week, the Return to Roots: Speaker Series took place on Monday, April 14th. Award-winning artist and Southern University Alumni David Banner spoke with students about his experience at Southern. Banner shared how serving as SGA President and attending an HBCU paved the way for the real world and his successful career. Students also had the opportunity to voice expressions and ask questions.
Later that night, the Rollin in Rio Skate Night took place in Seymour Gym. Students were able to rent skates, creating a lively atmosphere with music, disco lights, and a skating rink feel. When asked what his favorite event to plan was, the newly elected director of JAB, Javon Staves, said the Skate Night. “ Although we had to move locations and had some malfunctions, I was able to take the lead for the first time, and our team made the night a success,” he answered.
On Wednesday, April 15, Pretty Wednesday had a carnival kick to it. The Southern University Poise Modeling Troupe hosted a runway show, showcasing a variety of bright, festive outfits. Alongside, carnival dancers and vendors added energy and excitement to Springfest. To continue, the Control the Traffic Silent Headphone Party took place later that evening in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Students received headphones, creating an electric atmosphere where they could listen to different music stations and enjoy the experience with others.
On Thursday, April 16, the Roar and Restore event took place in the early afternoon outside of the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union. Students had the opportunity to shop at the farmers market, participate in a rage room, create Southern-themed bracelets, and partake in yoga stretches. Later that day, the Grand Carnival took place in the commuter parking lot. Students were able to ride carnival rides, buy concessions, and even had a guest performance from the New Orleans Bounce artist, Dino BTW.
The last event of Springfest was the Crawfest event, which took place on Friday, April 17. Students received crawfish, creating a lively tailgate-style atmosphere. “It was the most fun I’ve had since my freshman year,” shared Senior Aaron Levy when speaking about his last Springfest experience. He added that those in charge did a great job as well. Overall, Springfest Week brought high energy to the Bluff and created memorable experiences for students.
