With the arrival of spring comes the annual Spring Fling, an event put on by the CT State Manchester Student Government Association that brings students together to celebrate the end of the school year with food, fun and campus community.
This year’s fling was also a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the food provided leaned into that theme with selections from P.F. Chang’s restaurant in Farmington. Later there was also popcorn and, of course, pizza.
Among the many attendees enjoying the event was Nadia Avatar, a Business Administration major.
“I like the food, yes, they had the Asian food,” she said. “And also all the clubs that [CT State Manchester] has.”
In addition to food, there were several activities including henna hand painting, making a tie-dye shirt and a blow up bouncy racing slide.
Alissa Pace, who majors in Economics and Artificial Intelligence, said she helped plan the event with others in the Student Activities department.
“So, we worked really hard to put this event together, this was several months of planning, and I’m actually really excited for how it’s coming out, it’s coming out better than I thought it would,” she said. “I didn’t think it was going to be bad but this is pretty awesome right now, and I’m really excited.”
Student clubs were also showcased during the afternoon, with many using the occasion to recruit new members.
Halie Cruz Brathwaite represented Phi Theta Kappa, the Community College Honor Society, at a table. Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher can join the honor society, which then helps them get scholarships and transfer to a four-year college.
Miguel Nunez, a Culinary Arts major, also represented his club.
“I am the president of the [Manchester Chapter of the] National Society of Minorities in Hospitality and I believe [Manchester] is the best college,” he said, “and go Cougars.”
Tamara Blidgen, also of Culinary Arts, liked the way the event provided a chance for students to mix and mingle.
“It’s a nice way for all majors to get together,” she said.
There was also a table featuring a board with a caricature drawing of Manchester CEO Nicole Esposito, who announced in April that this semester would likely be her last at Manchester. Students lined up to write farewell messages.
The tie-dying table was very popular. Students could pick a design and color scheme and walk away with a bag containing a new shirt in the making.
“I found out about the event through peers in my class,” said Salem Didato, a Political Science major. “.. I loved the tie-dye and being able to connect with new people.”
Many attendees connected over by the dunk tank, where they took a stab at hitting a button with a ball from a distance, dunking Campus Associate Dean of Students T.J. Barber into a pool of cold water.
“This is very fun,” said Caitlin Sirois, who majors in psychology and social work. “I have a couple friends here, and one’s going in the dunk tank soon.”
It was a beautiful Spring day, sunny and comfortable and for some attendees that was their favorite part.
“Getting to see a bunch of people smile!” said Bradley Baker.
For others, their favorite part fell into more traditional categories.
“The pizza!” said Sirois.
