UMSL’s annual Mirthday tradition is expanding into Mirth Week this spring, with a host of festivities set for April 27 to May 2. (Photo by August Jennewein)
For education major Rebekah Cripe, the Mirthday carnival has always been a favorite event. It was her first taste of the University of Missouri–St. Louis four years ago, during a campus visit as a high school senior.
“I was able to attend the carnival and concert that night and stay on campus after to see what UMSL was like,” said Cripe, now an upperclassman and Pierre Laclede Honors College student. “It really solidified my decision in coming to UMSL.”
As one of the student organizers of the 2015 version of the campus tradition, Cripe has helped grow Mirthday into Mirth Week this time around. Instead of one day in April, the festivities will fill a week.
“It’s a time to celebrate the students and all the hard work everyone does all year,” she said. “The carnival and the concert are back this year, and then we’re incorporating a bunch of other programs and celebrations, too.”
Cripe, who serves as executive chair of the University Program Board, Student Activities Coordinator Tegan Klevorn and others shared highlights from each day of the upcoming Mirth Week celebration with UMSL Daily. For the full schedule, see UPB’s Facebook event page.
MONDAY
Mirth Week kicks off with the Office of Student Life hosting its anticipated Student Leadership Awards Banquet on Monday evening. Student Organization of the Year, Program of the Year, Advisor of the Year and Student Leader of the Year are among the honors. Monday is also “Compliment Day,” involving cheerful, memorable notes posted (courtesy UPB) all across the university. “It’s just a cool way to bring up spirits on campus and spread the joy,” Cripe said.
TUESDAY
Tuesday’s festivities conclude with an afternoon Last Lecture program featuring Dottye Akerson, a teaching professor in the College of Nursing. “It’s a wonderful way for students to recognize the positive impact their faculty are having on their UMSL experience and a great opportunity for our office to support the academic mission of the institution,” said Jessica Long-Pease, director of Student Life. “Seeing students engage in every part of the nomination and selection process was really fantastic.” Additionally, students who visit the UMSL Triton Store on Tuesday are in for special perks courtesy the store’s Student Appreciation Day.
WEDNESDAY
The annual carnival is a centerpiece on Wednesday, arguably the fullest day of the Mirth Week schedule. Rides, games, food and fun get under way at noon and continue until 4 p.m. in Parking Lot E. Bookending the carnival are the Spring Volunteer Fair and Multicultural Spring Festival in the Millennium Student Center over the lunch hour and College Night at Busch Stadium as the Cardinals take on the Phillies at 7:15 p.m.
THURSDAY
As Cripe summed it up, Mirth Week is all about about happiness. At UMSL, such good cheer includes acts of service – and the Spring Volunteer Fair, which appears both Wednesday and Thursday. Stop by the MSC Rotunda between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for a look at opportunities to make a difference in the community. First-year students are also encouraged to take part in the “One is Done” celebration recognizing first-year student milestones at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Provincial House.
FRIDAY
Tickets are going fast for this year’s concert. Miguel headlines the 7 p.m. event at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. “In the past we had Mirthday with the carnival and concert on the same day [a Wednesday],” said Cripe, whose responsibilities include being a “runner” for Miguel the day of the concert. “But having only one option for a concert date [meant] we were limited on who we could bring. Having the whole weekend open allowed for more artist choice.” Before heading to the Touhill, Mirth Week-goers can also stop by the Welcome Center in the Millennium Student Center between 2 and 7 p.m. Friday to commemorate the Welcome Center’s 10-year anniversary.
SATURDAY
Playfully renamed the UnFrozen 5K, the race originally scheduled as part of February’s homecoming celebration pairs the five-kilometer competition with a one-mile Triton Trot option. Free for UMSL students, the 10 a.m. event Saturday is $25 for alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Register here.
For more information, see the Mirth Week flier.
