As Special Events and Traditions Chair of the Student Programming Board, Catie Regan makes your weekends eventful on campus! She plans events for Quinnipiac that promote community and promote student involvement. SPB is about to transition their executive board and before they do, we would like to bring a little light to the work SPB does for all of us!
Do you think spb has become an important part of campus involvement?
I believe that SPB is a great way to get involved on campus. It’s organized so that there is truly something for everyone. Each committee plans different types of events, ranging from Arts and Entertainment events such as comedians, singers, magicians, slam poets and more to Films, and Special Events and Traditions (now Traditions and Community), which focuses events around the Quinnipiac Community like Quidditch on the Quad or Mr. Quinnipiac. With ten different committees to join, there is something for all different types of people. In addition, involvement with SPB means that you will be meeting tons of new people, and that you will always have something to do on Friday and Saturday nights from 8-10pm.
Out of all of the events you’ve planned, what is your favorite?
My favorite event to plan was St. Baldrick’s, both in 2010 and 2011. I became involved with St. Baldrick’s my junior year when Vin Bond was the Special Events and Traditions chair. He asked our committee who would want to act as one of the event co-chairs. One of my family members had recently been diagnosed with cancer, so this event became an outlet for me to support the fight.
St. Baldrick’s is a fundraising event where participants shave their heads to raise money and awareness for children’s cancer research. The planning of the event is much more complex than any other event that I have planned. One reason for this is that cancer, specifically pediatric cancer, is a very emotional topic for many people and so the event means very different things to each person. Though it took a lot of time and effort to plan St. Baldricks-from the recruitment of the “shavees”, barbers, and speakers to the ordering of the food and everything in between-it was by far my favorite event because it helped me feel as thought I personally was standing up and taking action against pediatric cancer, as I know it has allowed the 125+ “shavees”, donors, and all the people who have attended the event in the last two years to feel as well.
What is one event coming up you’re looking forward to?
The event I am looking forward to right now is Mr. Quinnipiac, which is on May 6th. Mr. Quinnipiac is such a great tradition at QU, and I think it is going to be such a great way to end off the year. We have some great contestants this year, and I think that the event will be a good study break for everyone just before finals.
What has spb given you?
SPB has given me the opportunity to meet so many new friends and has taught me a lot about myself. My experience in SPB, working with others, and acting as a leader has also allowed me to learn a lot about how I deal with problems and conflicts that arise, what’s important to me, what my strengths and weaknesses are, and the programming experience that I can use for my future career in public relations. I am so grateful and I think that there are so many other benefits to any type of leadership position while in college.
What’s one piece of advice you could give to those hoping to get involved on campus?
There are so many different organizations at Quinnipiac you can get involved with. Getting involved will give you the opportunity to think in a different way than you do in most classes, let you meet people that you might not have had the opportunity to meet, it will be great for your resume, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself and your community.