Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow hosted an end-of-year event Tuesday on Harris Field. The event featured a magician, a rock climbing wall, food from Melvin’s and live music.
“This is just kind of a way to get everyone to relax before exams,” Lauren Cranford, director of STAT and senior in biochemistry, said. “We’re also using it as a renewal event for next year.”
Students who renewed with STAT had their membership extended until August 2007.
This is the last of STAT’s events, which are held once a month.
Nathan Reich, a freshman in First Year College, said he went to event because of the food.
“It’s just a good organization,” he said after renewing his membership.
Magician Tim Dumas said he was invited to the event after members of STAT saw him perform at Melvin’s in the Fall.
“I was a scientist for 25 years,” he said. “I’ve always been a magician.”
Dumas added he received a biochemistry degree but did stand-up comedy for 15 years while working in the laboratories. He said he quit his job two years ago to be a magician.
Alison Collins, a sophomore in animal science, said she wasn’t a member of STAT before, but that she became a member at the event to support the organization.
“It has great benefits,” she said. “And it looks good on your resume.”
STAT members get discounts, such as 20 percent off alumni collection apparel, 25 percent off bookstore apparel and 10 percent off meals at Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant and Ruckus Pizza. In addition, members travel to away football games and attend members-only cookouts.
Academically, STAT offers alumni mentors and career development workshops.
Casey Taylor, a sophomore in business and one-year member of STAT, said she joined because of the connections she could make.
All students are eligible for STAT membership. Dues are $20 per year and $75 for a four-year membership. The Alumni Association receives $15 to cover membership benefits and the remaining $5 is put into a fund for student projects or programs chosen annually by STAT leadership.
“These are the most popular,” Cranford said of the event. “Anything that’s lots of fun is popular, but we get a pretty good response at others, too.”
