Millsaps takes on Major Madness

By Courtney Cleveland

Features editor

March 27th through March 31st was Major Madness on campus. Each day featured a different event for students to participate in and gather with their fellow peers.

On Monday, March 27th, students gathered in the Leggett Living Room for a chance to be taken around the world at the Intercultural Festival. Some waltzed around the room in clothing inspired by several different cultures while the aroma of food spread around the room. The event consisted of singing, dancing, and a fashion show. Food options from several countries like America, China, and Brazil were available. Students left with a full stomach, and the free t-shirt didn’t hurt either.

 
Shivangi Patel, a freshman biochemistry major, said this was her favorite event.

“The festival gave me a chance to perform an Indian dance, which brought me closer to my culture and also gave me a chance to give others an insight of what my culture looks like,” Patel said. “Events like this make me proud to say that Millsaps is truly my home.”

On Tuesday, the Programs and Activities Council hosted “PAC a Bag” in the same location.  PAC offered a bar that contained an assortment of popcorn, several candies, and nuts to create a treat bag.

Another major madness event held on Wednesday was canvas painting, which was held in the Kava House. The event lasted from 12-4 P.M., but the canvases were gone well before then.

On Friday, March 31st, over 100 prospective students and parents were welcomed on campus for Open Doors. Open Doors is an overnight visit program offered to accepted high school seniors to aid in helping them make their final decision.

Throughout the day, students were able to attend classes, meet with different professors, and attend panels that featured current students and faculty. Incoming students were also given the opportunity to stay with a current student overnight. Those that chose not to stay overnight were given the option to have a buddy on campus to explore with.

Jocelyn Green, a freshman neuroscience and cognitive studies major felt that the best part of Major Madness was being able to help her prospective student.
“It was amazing to hear that the more I told her [the prospective student] about our campus and our close interactions with our professors and faculty, that Millsaps would be a perfect fit for her,” she said. “This was my first time hosting a student, and I remember being in those shoes…It was a great experience that I look forward to doing again.”

Amada Jones, a senior high school student from Rocky Face, Georgia, liked the interpersonal aspects of the campus.

“I really liked exploring the campus on my own and having the opportunity to talk to the students about what I can get involved in,” Jones said. “Just sitting in the bowl and watching the students playing Frisbee and singing together was really uplifting and indicative of an amazing community.”

Derrick Dupuy, a senior high school student from Slidell, Louisiana also had high remarks for the campus.

“My favorite part about Open Doors was attending the glow fest where I interacted with my newly-met classmates and friends,” Dupuy said. “I was reunited with my favorite cousin, Kelli May. I am longing that these four months advance quickly so that I can officially be a major and walk in what God has for me and what this school has for me also! Go majors!”

Friday night several chose to go to the “Glow Fest” in Galloway Green. Students arrived with painted faces, glow bracelets and were ready to dance with both current and prospective students.

On Saturday, April 1st, students attended the annual crawfish boil. Students lined up around the Plaza for an aluminum pan filled with crawfish, sausage, potatoes, corn, and shrimp. Students sat and ate and enjoyed each other’s company, and thus was the end of Major Madness.