Instead of participating in Unofficial on Friday, many students spent their time either helping others or organizing alternative events.
Members of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship spent most of the day handing out cups of water on the corner of Green and Sixth streets and also in front of TIS College Bookstore, 707 S. Sixth St.
“It’s meant to help people stay hydrated since alcohol dehydrates you very fast,” said Aaron Zhao, sophomore in Engineering.
Lucas Hsu, sophomore in Engineering, said the group members were also concerned about alcohol poisoning.
“By handing out water, we make sure that people don’t just have alcohol in their body,” Hsu said. “They can stay safe while having fun on Unofficial.”
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
Members said people were appreciative of the group’s offer.
“Some people have been like ‘Yes, I want some. Thank you very much. This is a great thing!’” said Christina Crusius, freshman in LAS.
Other students found ways to pass the day without involving themselves in the usual Unofficial activities.
Residents of Busey-Evans Residence Halls who did not participate in Unofficial enjoyed an evening of craft making and nail painting. The event was organized by Busey residents Corinne Pennock, senior in LAS, and Annette Merkel, sophomore in LAS.
“We wanted to give an alternative, non-drinking activity to those who don’t drink so that they don’t feel left out during Unofficial,” Merkel said.
Presby Hall also hosted an alternative Unofficial event for students. The event was held in the dining hall and featured a Super Smash Bros. tournament, Kinect Sports, music and free food.
The six-hour event was attended by about 15 people throughout the night.
“It was all about delivering a high quality event to people who were looking for something … different to do the night of Unofficial,” said Jason Yue, one of the event organizers and a freshman in Engineering, in an email. “Not everyone partakes in the (Unofficial) spirit but want to celebrate the holiday. We achieve that goal by hosting an event that people can come to enjoy.”
Jacqui can be reached at [email protected].
Sari Lesk contributed to this report.
