Last week, the campus was buzzing with activity as students and members of the Rensselaer community participated in a series of events to celebrate student life and government, cultural diversity, and the performing arts.

Grand Marshal Week 2007, a week of campuswide celebrations and student elections, was held from March 24-31. This year’s theme, “Institute of Rock,” focused on celebrating student life and culture with the spirit of “all things Rockstar!” The GM Week Committee developed a comprehensive schedule of events featuring more than 100 Rensselaer Union student organizations.

The annual GM Week Finale, held at the Houston Field House, was followed by a fireworks display. Photo Credit: The Polytechnic/Joe Petrowski. For more photos see slideshow.

Highlights of the week included various dance and music performances, athletic tournaments, and opportunities to practice rock climbing and scuba diving, to name a few. The events culminated in the annual GM Week Finale held at the Houston Field House. The program featured inflatable games, club carnival events, and live music, followed by a fireworks display.

To celebrate cultural diversity at Rensselaer, members of Rensselaer’s Asian student organizations hosted the annual Asian Awareness Weekend event from March 23-24. The conference, organized by several Asian student organizations and a campus fraternity, is designed to celebrate Asian culture at Rensselaer and in the local community. The two-day event featured a festive and colorful display of Asian culture, art, food, and games, and an evening of performances that included music, skits, cultural dances, and a fashion show.

The Rensselaer Union ABADA-Capoeira organization also hosted the first “Noite de Lua Cheia” — otherwise known as “night of a full moon.” Rensselaer students, faculty, staff, and members of the community were invited to the Heffner Alumni House for Brazilian food and culture, and a celebration of the art of Capoeira with live performances featuring the AC-NYC group. 

All of Rensselaer’s clubs and organizations are based in the Rensselaer Union. Home to more than 160 clubs, sports, and organizations, it is one of the only student-run Unions in the country.

View slideshow.

Published April 2, 2007