VUAD is alternative fun

Breana Carlson, a senior nursing major from DeKalb, Ill., keeps coming back to Viterbo University After Dark programs. When asked why, she said, "[The activities are] fun, they give away great prizes, and it offers a chance to meet new people and socialize." What's more, Carlson also stated that VUAD provides "a comfortable atmosphere where [she] can have a good time knowing [she] won't be pressured into something she's not okay with."

VUAD, an on-campus organization, has just started its fourth year. The program is headed by Kari Hartogh, coordinator for Campus Activities and Orientation, and two student coordinators, Stephanie Kane and Amanda Marshall. The program, which is funded by the Student Activity Fee, provides free, late-night activities every weekend during the school year.

Events are held on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 9 p.m. and can run as late as midnight. Students are encouraged to attend these events, which are held in various locations, such as the Hawk's Nest, Marian Courtyard, and the Reinhart Center.

Recent events include the Graffiti Party, the showing of the film "Shrek Forever After", soap making, and a Crayola-themed casino night.

Upcoming activities include video game tournaments, dueling pianos, hypnotist/mentalist, movies, bingo, swing dancing, craft nights, and recreational activities.

VUAD tries "to establish a schedule that offers a diversity of programs that hopefully will attract a variety of students," said Hartogh. Mandy Jo Mlsna, a sophomore nursing major from Spencer, Wis., a faithful patron of the program stated that she likes "that there are a variety of programs and I don't have to go off campus. I can watch a movie on Friday night and play BINGO on Saturday – it doesn't get boring."

Ashley De Cramer, an active participant of VUAD events said that "It gets me out to meet new people, and interact with them outside of the classroom on a more personal level." They always have good food, which is a good way to get students together, De Cramer added.

VUAD is continually encouraging students to attend so this year the program instilled its newest feature: the punch card.

Students can receive a card and punches attend VUAD programs. When a student fills up 10 punches, they are entered to win a 22-inch flat screen television. Student coordinator Stephanie Kane said that the punch cards are "an exciting and fun raffle that promotes students to participate in VUAD activities." Kane also recommended students look for "double punch nights," at which students can earn multiple punches.

The complete VUAD schedule can be found at www.viterbo.edu/activities or on the Viterbo Campus Activities Facebook page. Hartogh points out that "what other program offers such a variety of entertainment for [students'] Friday or Saturday night?!"