Arkansas Hall hosted a pumpkin-painting event to kick off the dorm’s fall festivities Oct. 17.
Students from all over campus gathered together to paint pumpkins as a way to wind down before fall break.
Housing staff handed out miniature pumpkins and paint to students for them to get creative while they mingled with other students.
Freshman Jenna Ward said the pumpkin-painting party was her first on-campus activity.
“I’ve loved it so far, I’m having so much fun. I can for sure see myself going to other events in the future,” she said.
Students painted their pumpkins with anything from UCA colors to their favorite movie characters and symbols.
This is the first pumpkin-painting event the hall put on. State Hall also had a pumpkin painting event.
Dami Osundolire came up with the idea for the party for one of her monthly activities she’s required to do as a peer coach.
“It was far too early to do something related to Thanksgiving, so we decided to go with a general fall theme. Everyone has carved a pumpkin, so why not try painting them? We hope to eventually continue this next October,” Osundolire said.
Kendra Erickson, residence life coordinator for residential colleges, was excited about the turnout with some future campus events in mind.
“Our next big event is the Exam Jam, which we use as a way to help students relax before their exams. We’re working on getting a mechanical bull as well as some of the prizes that will be offered for students who come out,” Erickson said.
Two students paint mini pumpkins with acrylic paint at the Arkansas Hall event. Students had creative freedom over their pumpkins, painting anything from cartoon characters to floral patterns.
Erickson also promoted Bingo Night which Greek Life helps with. The event will have prizes for students, which Erickson picked out.
Carl Olds, academic director for the Muse Residential College, implemented new programs that promote inclusivity not only at Arkansas Hall but on the campus in general.
Olds started the new RSO last year, which especially focuses on disabilities, and continues to promote other inclusive events for students.
Arkansas Hall hosted events for LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day, allowing all students to share their experiences and be around their community.
Hannah Breaux, Arkansas Hall’s senior resident assistant, said the semi-new Lavender Library and all it has to offer is part of making an inclusive environment.
“Our collection at the library is mostly targeted toward LGBTQ+ individuals that focuses on the needs of our community on campus,” Breaux said.
The library is free for all students and they can check out books and take some home to keep.
For more information on the Lavender Library’s collection or to ask a question, visit https://uca.edu/llc/lavender-library/.
