Roar Days is back at UCCS April 8-13. The six-day-long event is taking on a new persona this year as it focuses on multicultural visibility.
This year’s Roar Days theme is “Around the World,” and each event is hosted by a club or organization that focuses on uniting a multicultural community. Similarly to last year, a limited number of free T-shirts will be provided at each event.
Students who attend Monday’s Powwow hosted by the Native American Student Alliance, or NASA, can collect a passport and receive a stamp at each event. Those who get their passport stamped at every event will be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift card to the Campus Store.
SGA Vice President Aidan Clark, who also serves as Graduate Assistant for Clubs and Organizations, has taken on much of the event coordination this year. After being closely involved with last year’s drag show, Clark said his work this year included overseeing purchases for catering and decorations but left most of the event creation up to the clubs involved.
“One thing I really wanted to do with this week was give 99% of the control to the clubs,” Clark said. “They came up with the themes. They came up with how they wanted to execute them.”
Clark says through his role as vice president, he wants to increase visibility of multicultural groups on campus, as they offer students a unique sense of community. “I want to make sure to highlight those groups and give them a space where they can not only showcase themselves as students, but feel fully supported,” he said.
“Roar Days … used to be more of a spirit week with different clubs, but in the last couple of years, we’ve tried to transition it to a multicultural week, so that [multicultural clubs] have their own week to support them,” Clark said. He sees Roar Days as an opportunity for students to meet different multicultural groups on campus and let students know they can join the clubs year-round.
Except for Saturday’s events which begin on the West Lawn, all will take place in Berger Hall. Here’s what to expect at each event:
Monday, April 8: NASA’s Spring Powwow
NASA is hosting their Spring Powwow Monday evening. The event showcases a traditional powwow and its cultural importance.
There will be performances by indigenous community members, fry bread and “Indian tacos.” Students are encouraged to join in group dancing, and prizes will be given away for community participation. Some local Native American businesses will be present to show the community their products.
Tuesday, April 9: Chaos Cabaret Drag Show sponsored by MOSAIC
According to Clark, the drag show was one of last year’s most popular events, and MOSAIC is bringing it back Tuesday night. Four local drag performers will be featured at the “Moulin Rouge” themed event and student performers can join in with drag and burlesque performances.
In addition to performances, the night will feature LGBTQ+ advocate speakers, mocktails and a photo booth.
Wednesday, April 10: BSU’s Black Excellence Gala
A first-time collaboration between the Black Student Union and Student Life is bringing the Black Excellence Gala to Berger Hall Wednesday evening. Students and faculty nominated by BSU will receive awards for outstanding achievements in serving the club.
Like a formal awards show, dinner is provided and there will be performances alongside award presentations.
Thursday, April 11: APISU Fusion
Thursday night’s event, Fusion, is hosted by the Asian Pacific Islander Student Union to celebrate various Asian Pacific Islander communities.
The event will have multiple performances, including a musical stand-up comedy performance by Elliot Chang. Food will be provided for participants.
Friday, April 12: LSU’s Annual La Fiesta
The Latinx Student Union is hosting its popular La Fiesta event Friday evening in Berger Hall. The event features crowd oriented Latinx dances alongside music by students and outside performers.
Attendees can expect cultural celebration, entertainment and dinner.
Saturday, April 13: ISU celebrating Holi
The Indian Student Alliance is welcoming the UCCS community into the celebration of Indian cultural holiday Holi on Saturday afternoon. According to Britannica, Holi is a Hindu holiday in which participants “[throw] colored water and powders on one another in joyous celebration.” The event will start on the West Lawn, then move into Berger Hall.
On the West Lawn, participants will take part in the traditional colored powder festival of Holi, followed by lunch served in Berger Hall.
Saturday, April 13: ASA hosts Journey to Africa
Roar Days closes out with African Student Association’s Journey to Africa event Saturday night. The event will bring awareness about different facets of African culture through fashion, poetry, music and dancing.
Like last year, the evening will have drum performances. Students will also be providing foods from African tradition.
Graphic via Mountain Lion Connect.