SU celebrates centennial with Fun Fest in the Nest despite rain

Sammy watching the game at Fun Fest in the Nest. Image courtesy of Tessah Good.

The rain didn’t stop SU from celebrating its 100^th birthday on Sunday with Fun Fest in the Nest.

The free campuswide event attracted students, faculty, alumni and community members for a day packed with more than 100 activities.

While the rain canceled some outdoor attractions like the Ferris wheel and yard games, many festivities were held indoors.

Holloway Hall kicked off the birthday bash with a performance by SU Poms and the Marching Band, followed by Smith Island birthday cake and Island Creamery ice cream with President Carolyn Lepre. Visitors could also tour the recently renovated social room, the new Centennial Plaza and other historic campus landmarks.

Across campus, each building offered something different.

Fulton Hall hosted live music, arts and crafts and a hot glass demonstration from the SU Hot Glass Program.

At the GAC, guests had the opportunity to explore exhibits from the Nabb Research Center and participate in interactive activities like Wheel of Fortune, a story-mapping activity for kids and a SU Libraries MakerLab collaboration that let attendees create 3D printables.

In Henson Hall, visitors were able to discover the new planetarium, watch a high-energy performance by Cascading Carlos and try airbrush tattoos.

Inside the GSU, attendees gathered for a Washington Commanders watch party while sampling Playa Bowls, Smith Island Cakes and Pepsi. Indoor carnival games such as the log slammer were also relocated into the GSU.

The celebration wouldn’t have been complete without food trucks.

In the Dogwood lot, vendors served everything from tacos and barbecue to waffles and shaved ice. Options included Taco DelMar, Flippin’ Waffles, Malibu Meach Eats, Le Daisey’s Smokehouse, Sweet Cheeks Lemonade and Tiki Hut Shaved Ice.

For some alumni, the centennial was especially meaningful. Stephanie Weeg, class of 2007, returned to campus with her family for the celebration.

“It's amazing because so much has changed, Weeg said. "I barely recognize it [the campus] until I’m in the middle.

“Being here with my children is even more crazy, but a blessing.”

Fun Fest in the Nest is only the start of SU’s centennial celebration.

The Centennial Speaker Series hosted by the Presidential Panel is tonight at 7 p.m. in the GAC Assembly Hall. Speakers include Dr. Janet Dudley-Eshbach, Dr. Charles Wight and President Carolyn Lepre.

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By TESSAH GOOD

Editor-in-Chief