By Jackie Delaney
Staff Writer
Possible speakers for this year’s Spring Lecture and a trip to Washington, D.C., to see cherry blossoms bloom were discussed at the Student Finance Board met on Wednesday, March 4.
The TCNJ Swing Dance Club requested funds for the “Swing Around the World Dance,” which the club hopes will “provide a fun and inviting atmosphere” not only to its current members but also to those who have never experienced swing dancing before.
The event, which will host a live band, was allocated $2,500.96 and will take place Friday, March 27, in the Travers/Wolfe Lounge.
Next, the Society for Creative Endeavors proposed an event titled “Mythology & Meaning: A Night with Crispin Freeman.” The well-known actor and voice actor came to campus last year for a panel sponsored by the now-disbanded Japanese Club. He apparently “loved the TCNJ students and really wanted to come back.”
The proposal, which asked for funding of $6,750, was tabled, as the board was unsure about the location, date and cost of the event.
The TCNJ Hellenic Society presented its request next, which asked for $2,906.65 to fund its annual Greek Fest. Last year, the event had a tremendous turnout. The group hopes to “promote Greek culture on campus,” bring in a Greek dance group for entertainment and provide more food this year. The event was fully funded and will take place on Wednesday, March 25, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Brower Student Center.
The Society for Creative Endeavors approached the board again, this time asking for $1,692 to fund a trip to the Sakura Matsui Festival in Washington, D.C. This festival is held annually on the streets of D.C. to celebrate “spring, new life and beauty” as the cherry blossoms bloom around the Washington Monument. The event celebrates Japanese culture and displays arts and crafts and martial arts. SFB decided to fund TSCE with $3,400, providing the group with sufficient funds for two Coach buses. The trip will take place Saturday, April 11, and there is a $5 deposit for students from the College and a $10 deposit for outside students wishing to attend.
The Animal Benefits Club approached the board asking for $251 to hold a screening of the film “Dolphin Tale.” The event was fully funded and will be held on Tuesday, May 5, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Science Complex P117.
TCNJ Saathiya, the College’s nationally ranked fusion dance team, presented its proposal next. The dance team approached the board looking for funding for costumes to utilize in several upcoming performances. They hope to “spread (their) passion for dance” across campus through the celebration of dance, music and culture. SFB allocated $1,000 to the group.
The freshman class council was allocated $5,615 for a trip to Sky Zone in Levittown, Pa. on Tuesday, March 24. The group believes the trampoline park would “give freshmen fun, safe activities to take part in.”
Next, the College Union Board requested $20,170 for “CUB’s Acoustic Concert” to be held on Monday, March 30, at 8 p.m. in Mayo Concert Hall. CUB is interested in bringing Ryan Cabrera, Good Old War and The Downtown Fiction to campus for a “laid-back, intimate, acoustic performance.” The concert was fully funded.
CUB also proposed to bring several well-known figures to campus for the Spring 2015 Lecture. They asked for $34,098 to fund the event. Among those the organization is interested in bringing are Taya Kyle, Graham Moore, Ice-T, Michael Wilbon, Adrien Grenier and Ted Allen. Notably, Tara Kyle is the widow of U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle, known as the most lethal sniper in American history and recently the focus of the film, “American Sniper.” Several of the speakers are writers, authors, actors, musicians, directors and television personalities. CUB believes the speakers “could impact the student audience with their charisma and passion.” The event was funded with the exception of Adrien Grenier.
The Association of Students for Africa then requested $2,504 for their “Akwaaba Banquet.” The event, which was fully funded, includes a variety of African inspired performances, food and music. It will be held Friday, April 3, from 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in Education Building 212.
Finally, the Indian Student Association was allocated $4138.77 for its event, Bollywood Night. The celebration will “showcase the multi-faceted culture of India” with dance, food, clothing and music.
*Even though SFB agrees to finance certain events, there is no guarantee these events will take place. The approval only makes the funds available.
