Wagner students kick off new year with first ever 'spirit dinner' 

Friday, September 02, 2005

By ANDREA BOYARSKY

ADVANCE STAFF WRITER

How do you silence a college dining hall brimming with excited students on the fourth day of school?

Sing the alma mater.

Not a peep could be heard as choir members, several alumni and staff members rendered "Beautiful Upon the Hill" in Wagner College's dining hall last night.

The group's serenade was part of the Grymes Hill college's first Spirit Dinner, meant to foster school spirit among students and connect them with alumni.

"It's so much fun to exchange thoughts with people who are just starting out in life," said class of 1950 alumnus Bob Peirano of Lighthouse Hill, who joined in the singing.

"You get their ideas and give them guidance of what the world holds out there," he added.

Although the event was aimed at all students, it particularly helped freshmen become acquainted with the college.

"It's good to be involved in school. It makes it [college] feel more like home," said Stefanie Herrera of Annadale, who will room on campus.

In honor of the occasion, the hall was decorated with green and white balloons floating from the tables and plastic megaphones and pom-poms resting on them. Each student was handed a green booklet with the college's history and alma mater, the better to sing along.

Various sports teams and student organizations handed out informational fliers, and the Seahawks football team was tapped to get the crowd warmed up with some cheering.

"[The dinner] gives everyone a reason to be happy and cheer for the team," said freshman guard Matthew Martin. "It's [school spirit] a big boost in confidence. It helps us play harder, knowing that the crowd is behind you every step of the way."

Tad Bender, president of the Student Government Association, said the event fostered the idea of community on campus and connected the different campus groups.

"We want to start off the year with a smile and have fun," he said.

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