August 25, 2005

Purdue residence halls offer semester kick-off party

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's residence halls are giving students the chance to kick off the new school year with a foam party and several larger-than-life games.

A carnival and video foam dance will be held 4-8 p.m. Friday (Aug. 26) in the grassy field south of the McCutcheon parking lot.

The event is free and open to all students living in Purdue's residence halls. It is sponsored by Hillenbrand, Earhart, Shreve, McCutcheon and Harrison halls. The Residence Hall Association, a group made up of student leaders from each of Purdue's halls, is also sponsoring the event.

"The beginning of the school year can be hectic and overwhelming for students, especially freshmen who are just beginning college," said Chad Clark, residential life manager at Hillenbrand Hall, who advised the students who planned the event.

"Hopefully, this event will not only provide an opportunity to relax and blow off steam at the end of a busy week, but also help students meet new people and have fun at a safe, alcohol-free event."

Students will be able to use four large inflatables from 4-8 p.m., including a 25-foot slide and a 100-foot long obstacle course. Clark said there would also be music and food to create a carnival-like atmosphere.

Then, from dusk until 11:30 p.m., there will be a dance in front of a large video screen. The dance will also include a large section of dance floor that will be continually doused with white foam as students dance.

The event was originally scheduled for last spring, but was postponed due to rain.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Source: Chad Clark, (765) 494-o325, chadclark@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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