"The week helps to jumpstart the semester," said Kathleen Blaney, College of Nursing junior and director of Winter Flurry Week.,”With basketball season in full swing and students returning to campus, Winter Flurry Week only amplifies the excitement of a new year and semester at Marquette.
"The week helps to jumpstart the semester," said Kathleen Blaney, College of Nursing junior and director of Winter Flurry Week.
Events this year include returning favorites, such as Comedy Night and the Snow Ball, a semi-formal dance, as well as new activities like the Marquette vs. Louisville Viewing Party and a Late Night event entitled Sugar Rush.
According to Gerald Harris, coordinator for campus programs and Winter Flurry adviser, between 2,500 and 3,000 students participate in the week's activities. Snow Ball tends to draw the most people, with organizers usually giving away all 1,800 tickets available.
Tickets will be distributed for free today and Wednesday from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. and on Thursday and Friday from 10 p.m.-3 p.m. in Alumni Memorial Union 252.
Joe Woelfel, a College of Communication sophomore, attended the Snow Ball last year and enjoyed the event. He said he looks forward to a similar experience this year.
"We don't normally have the chance to dress up, so it will be fun to see all my friends and have a good time," Woelfel said.
Yesterday's Casino Night event featured craps, blackjack, roulette and the chance to win a variety of prizes ranging from jerseys to DVD players. Tonight's Comedy Night includes comic Jordan Carlos, a recurring personality on "The Colbert Report," and Pat McCurdy, a comedy musician from Milwaukee.
"Pat McCurdy is legend," said Woelfel, who anticipates a night full of laughter.
Blaney and her team of 25 students began planning the week in October at a retreat. Once the Flurry team assembled, it divided itself into three committees: Entertainment, Spotlight Talent and Snow Ball. Each committee met with the Alumni Memorial Union Event Management Office, outside agencies and Marquette organizations to make the week fun and successful, Blaney said.
"It's really cool that we, as students, get to decide what entertainment and events are planned," she said. "Because we are students, hopefully we pick out events other students will like."
Aside from choosing events, the staff also decided on the theme for Winter Flurry: A Sweet Escape. Blaney said they envisioned a whimsical, Candy Land-like atmosphere for the week, a mood that could be utilized not only at the Snow Ball but also at each day's event.
Established in the early '90s, Flurry's purpose is to build tradition in the Marquette community, Harris said.
"Flurry is a staple in the Marquette community, kind of like basketball," he said. "People are excited about basketball out of the gate, and I think people get excited about Flurry too."
Both Blaney and Harris predict successful outcomes. Harris said he looks forward to seeing students out having fun, excited for the spring semester.
"I would love for the enthusiasm of the staff and committees to carry through to the events," Blaney said. "Hopefully the students have the same excitement and enthusiasm."
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