On October 27 of this year, from approximately 7:30-11:00, an event was held in the campus center in celebration of Halloween. Some freshman or transfers new to Stockton, or college altogether, may have had the idea that Halloween at college was about drinking. Lolla-no-booza was a fun and alcohol free program that showed that Halloween didn’t have to involve poor decisions!

At the event were several games one could play as well as many stands involving fun Halloween activities. I personally was spooked by the scary chair! There were dueling DJs that played their music through wireless headsets that the listener could choose at their leisure. After a while of dancing the dance club graced the crowd with a well-choreographed dance.

For food, there was corndogs, pizza, cupcakes, and refreshments available. Also available was the non-alcoholic bar that served delicious, sugary, drinks that really fit in with the atmosphere. There were no complaints about the lack of alcohol at that bar!

If party-goers were to interact with the stands along the halls and play their educational games, they could win tickets. These tickets that would be put into a lottery machine for the chance to win an array of prizes. I was lucky enough to win a large container of high ply toilet paper. One might not think such a thing is useful until they’ve walked a mile in my shoes!

The entire event was fun and light hearted. Everyone seemed to be having a great time because there was just so much to do! The message was good and carried throughout the night. What a great event for new students to become acquainted with the fun that Stockton can offer.

On October 13th at around 4:30pm, the afternoon of service hosted by “Commuters on the Go”, and situated in the board of trustees room began. Upon arrival the volunteers were met by friendly faces and three possible stations where the service could be performed. The first station was making birthday cards for homeless children, so that their parents need not spend money on them. The second station was making heart shaped baskets for nursing homes. Inside these heart shaped baskets would be mother’s day notes to remind the mother’s at said nursing homes that they are not forgotten and still very much loved. The third and final station was making stuffed bears for children with cancer.

Everyone involved worked diligently to create these cards, baskets, and bears for the sick and in need. Even the hosts of the event helped out, when not assisting others or reorganizing. As each station was held at a singular table, there was a bit of an influx in students that came to help. So much so that another table was made to assist the others three in their tasks. For an hour and a half the card makers produced dozens of cards, the basket makers made a ton of baskets, and the bear stuffers crafted a great number of teddys. Everyone involved worked very hard to help those in need.

Afterword was a reflection. During this reflection the people involved where to write down three of the most important things to them. Then one was, without warning, taken away. This shows just what kind of situation these people in need are in. It seemed to hit home for a lot of individuals, and elicited a very appropriate response. All in all, this event was both engaging and beneficial, to those that came out to help and to those that received such help.  

Akhil Reed Amar, esteemed Sterling Professor of law and political science graced Stockton University with his lecture Wednesday, September 21st. All thanks to the Political Engagement Project, the American Democracy Project, the Office of Service-Learning, and the Office of the Provost, that is for sponsoring this extensive lecture. That Wednesday coincided with Constitution Day, which happens to be one of the subjects covered with expertise in his lecture. In said lecture, he emphasized many points including the importance of the American constitution and it’s originality, as well as many other points such as the significance of the constitution to other countries, on our country, and how it is a perfect imperfect system that is subject to change and yet still holds so much rightfully placed authority.

Through this lecture he more than adequately suggested to the crowd his genuine enthusiasm, and this energy helped carry the audience with him on this journey through Constitutional history, education, law, and application. From the moment he began his presentation he held a very happy yet on point demeanor and as he paced the hall filled with people he only spoke more and more passionately about the constitution.

For students like myself that would usually find a subject such as the constitution boring, Professor Amar is a Godsend because of his ability to hold attention and convey messages to any audience. I found his lecture deeply provoking and understandable, needless to say I would recommend to anyone getting into Political Science or Law or just anyone who has time to listen to a Yale Professor speak about something he is passionate about.