Spring Fling: Many Activities, One Great Tradition
By Sarah R. Schwartz ’10
With a legacy that spans more than 150 years, Arcadia has had a number of traditions that have brought the University community together and fostered class and college spirit. As spring semester draws to a close and the prospect of summer vacation plans approach, students are often in need of a release before the intense push leading to final exams. The cure is Spring Fling, a jam-packed weekend of events produced by Arcadia students for Arcadia students.
The tradition wasn’t born overnight. It all began with Woodstock, an impromptu student gathering inspired by the 1969 music festival. In 1979, the event was formalized and adopted into the University’s events calendar, offering students an outdoor concert and celebration.
Jan Walbert, Vice President for Development, formerly the Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs, arrived on campus in 1989. She watched Spring Fling blossom from a single function to a thriving and well-loved event.
“The real creator of Spring Fling was Karen Brager ’91, current president of the Alumni Association,” says Walbert. “In 1989, she created ‘Beaver Blitz,’ an event which opened the opportunity for additional weekend events.”
Blitz grew from a few games and activities to a carnival, the day before Woodstock. In the early 1990s, Residence Life brought Lip Sync to the festivities. More recently, the Student Programming Board and Knight Club added to the mix.
“By far my best Spring Fling memories consist of watching students having fun and enjoying the collective excitement of the event,” says Walbert, before musing about the more scandalous feats that have occurred in the past. These include a Woodstock band rolling down campus hills in trashcans, students cheating at the dunk tank while Walbert was in it, and even a student streaking during Woodstock.
“Spring Fling is just a great time to let loose, all wrapped in a series of wonderful events,” says Walbert. “It’s truly a great tradition.”
Schedule of Events
Thursday, April 14
- The Residence Hall Council presents Lip Sync at 10 p.m. in Stiteler Auditorium. Admission is $2.
Friday, April 15
- The Blitz carnival, sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement, is from 3 to 6 p.m. on the Castle lawn.
- Knight Club will present “Rhythm of the Knight” at 7 p.m. in Stiteler Auditorium. Admission is $3 for students.
- My Big Fat Greek Dance will be held in the Dining Hall from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Student Programming Board (SPB) sponsors this event.
Saturday, April 16
- Arcadia University’s Woodstock festival features a day’s worth of music on the New Field from noon to 7 p.m. Bands include Over N’ Out (Winner of Battle of the Bands), Frank Viele and the Manhattan Project, The Speedbumps, Lynhurst and headliner SAFETYSUIT.
- Woodstock is followed by a drive-in movie—No Strings Attached—at 9 p.m. on the Castle lawn.
Sunday, April 17
- Knight Club presents an encore performance of “Rhythm of the Knight” in Stiteler Auditorium at 5 p.m. Admission $3 for students.
