As the constricting procedures of the pandemic abate, many temporarily discontinued traditions are returning. Finally, students and faculty alike need not constantly worry about the specter of disease when running into each other in classrooms or events. And as Andrews slowly yet surely opens up to normality, one anticipated event made its triumphant return: Almost Anything Goes.
The event is simple: eight games, four teams, and one prize, divided by class standing. The Freshman donned green, while the Sophomore wore blue. The Juniors and Seniors were clad in red and Graduate students shined in yellow. The participating students gathered at Johnson Gymnasium to show off their class spirit and participate in collaborative and friendly competitions until one team rises to the top. With no prize on the line except for a trophy and bragging rights, each team huddled together in their corners — each in their respective colors — for preparation.
Before the games could begin, however, this year marks the final year that Dr. David Faehner serves as the Vice President for University Advancement. As is appropriate, the event began with a tribute to Dr. Faehner, with a tribute video as well as a song, with students waving their cell-phone flashlights in unison..Kayla-Hope Bruno (senior, psychology), reminisced on the event saying, “I particularly enjoyed the video presentation honoring the University Advancement Vice President, David Faehner. The way that he and his wife were honored was beautiful”.Though the small celebration didn’t match the great amount of work that Dr. Faehner had done for the university, the opportunity for students across all class standings to give thanks for his 37 years of service remained sweet nonetheless. Then the games commenced.
Lily Burke (senior, anthropology, English, and Spanish) recounted her experience stating, “I showed up a little late, so when I entered the gym, it was a dark abyss, dotted with glowing decorations and loud screaming. Within minutes of joining the mass of juniors and seniors under the majestic red banner, I found it my duty to jump onto a beat-up mattress and hold on for dear life as my classmates transported me on a magic carpet ride across Johnson Gym. The tug of war game was characteristically eventful, with the freshman class showing themselves to be remarkably strong, and the graduates, well, doing their best. The games ended with a victory by the Juniors and Seniors, and then the night quickly turned into a dance party, as students from all years and majors joyfully joined together to celebrate the beginning of the new year. I had such a fun time, and it was so nice to be back to being able to have this kind of large scale event. I’m grateful to the amazing team that put that event together, and am excited to see what AUSA comes up with next!
Kayla-Hope Bruno (senior, psychology) completed her account of the event by sharing , “ I was not there for the entirety of the event, however for the time that I was there it was a great experience. I particularly enjoyed the video presentation honoring the University Advancement Vice President, David Faehner. The way that he and his wife were honored was beautiful. I also enjoyed participating in the various activities of the evening, especially the balloon and hula hoop activities because it showed me how united the Juniors and Seniors really are. We had one goal, which was to win and be victorious. Being able to experience Almost Anything Goes for the second time of my undergraduate experience has truly filled my heart with joy. I will cherish memories like this for years to come.”
Every year, students bask in the opportunity to engage in friendly competition, enriching their experience of making new acquaintances. I am most certainly awaiting the announcement of the new theme next year. Long live the Juniors and Seniors!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.