As the sun set on the rooftop of Kresge Saturday, Aug. 24, students gathered together to let loose after the first week of classes for the fall semester. As you passed through the walkway between Aldersgate and Kresge, you couldn’t help but be drawn into the energy and music coming from the roof.
When you emerged from the staircase, a mass of people turned towards the speakers to watch brave students belt out karaoke. On the other side of the roof was cornhole, where competition was fierce and spirits were high. Several strands of Christmas lights provided a warm backdrop to the evening, allowing people to get pictures in front of the photo booth that the RA’s created. It was the place to be.
The Kresge resident assistants (RA’s) had a big hand in this event from conception to execution. The party was a guaranteed success from the start: friends, music, dancing and even Fazoli’s breadsticks. Last year, the dorm had a very similar event that was just as successful.
“We got together and shared our ideas about how we could make the event the most fun for campus,” said RA junior Emily Shank. “It was a hit last year and we just wanted to do that again!”
The event planning was led by Assistant Resident Director junior Stephanie Echeverry along with Resident Director Kim Levengood. Because of the success of the event last year, the staff wanted it to be just as successful again this year and put a lot of thought into recreating the same fun atmosphere.
“We were thinking about what fun things all of the campus would enjoy doing. So of course food, Ale8, corn hole, bumpin’ music and karaoke,” said Echeverry. “We also made sure that this year we got approved for line dancing. Kresge Rooftop last year broke out into a small little line dance session, which pushed the no dancing rule a little bit, but this year we made sure that it was approved!”
Although the students could only participate in choreographed dancing, people stayed until the end of the night busting a move to songs like “The Twist” and “Wobble.”
Senior Raven Koontz attended the party this year with hopes to have a good time after a stressful first week of classes.
“I love dancing, so I was excited that they got some form of it approved this year,” said Koontz. “I stayed to the very end and the energy was high from start to finish. Even the ‘Electric Slide’ was lit.”
Karaoke proved to be a big hit this year as well. Several groups of students, and also individuals, got up and sang their hearts out to songs that the crowd joined along in.
“I wish I could replay the moments where the crowd cheers and sings along to groups and individuals singing their karaoke bits,” said Echeverry. “It’s like they are performing a mini-concert.”
From Broadway hits to modern alternative, the crowd was supportive of everyone who performed.
“I love seeing people hype others up, especially during karaoke,” said Shank.
At the end of the night as students went back to their respective dorms, the staff of Kresge cleaned up the aftermath. They were shocked to see that there was minimal food and drink left over.
“Kim Levengood and I estimated 300-plus people attended the event this year, which were very similar numbers to last year,” said Echeverry. “All 400 Fazoli breadsticks were gone and only 20 of 300 Ale-8’s were left.”
It’s safe to say that many that attended left with a smile on their face, stomachs full, and memories to add to their list for the 2019 school year. And as they say, there’s no party like a Kresge Rooftop Party.
