Students versus faculty hockey game at Brandon University on February 9, 2013. (Brady Knight / The Quill)
From blowing up gummy bears in the chemistry lab, to cheering on the Bobcats basketball teams, there was something for everyone at Brandon University’s second annual Winterlude last Saturday.The day began with over 400 plates of brunch served, before groups began exploring campus. Departments hosted a wide variety of activities and demonstrations for children and adults alike. There was clay throwing, an instrument petting zoo, archeology demonstrations, and the aforementioned disintegration of gummy bears, to name but a few.
“We’re trying to bring the community of Brandon onto the campus,” said Scott Lamont, Vice President Administration and Finance. He notes many people drive by every day without knowing what happens on campus, and this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of the programs offered.
BUSU President Carissa Taylor was pleased to see the variety of people who came out for the day. “It was really great to see on campus, not only students, but also families, prospective students, and children,” she said. “I think it’s a really positive step in building relations with the rest of our community.”
The day also featured the second annual Students vs. Faculty/Staff hockey game. With improved weather conditions this year, the action was fast and furious. It also quickly became apparent the game would be a close one, contrary to the domination by the students last year. In the end however, despite pulling their goalie in the dying minutes, the faculty fell 6-4 at the hands of the students.
To end the day, there was free admission to the Bobcats basketball games, with both teams taking on the Calgary Dinos. The woman fell behind early, and weren’t able to mount a comeback, as they fell 72-46. However, the men, though eliminated from the Canada West playoffs, managed to pull off a 74-68 win over the Dinos. Both teams will close out their 2012-13 season at home next weekend against the Regina Cougars.
Overall, Taylor says it was a fantastic day for everyone. “It was a really great day, really great turnout, the weather was much nicer for the hockey game this year, and I hope it just grows next year.”