Student Life kicked off the spring Roar Daze week of April 5-9 with “Stuff-A-Stuff,” a Build-A-Bear-like event, on Monday.
Senior and human services major Shaie Muhamad, who works at Student Life, shared how the idea for the event came about.
“Trending right now on TikTok and Instagram are people showing their stuffed animals from their childhood,” Muhamad said. “I wanted to recreate something like that as an event as a way for students to create their own stuffed animals.”
The event was similar in premise to Build-A-Bear, the stuffed animal shop where customers can design their own bears with accessories, stuffing and outfits.
Muhamad described the event as “a way for students to create memories they can keep and take home with them as a reflection of their college experience.”
Each stuffed animal at the event was given its own customized UCCS shirt, and supplies were provided by the College Agency.
Muhamad talked about what it was like to pick out the stuffed animals for the event. “I worked with the agency to gather up all sorts of animals. I wanted stuffed animals of all variety and different sizes,” she said. “I am mostly excited to see what kinds of animals the students pick out.”
Berger Hall was set up with different stations for students to pick out an animal, get cotton fillings and sit to stuff their plushies.
Students could show off their stuffed animals at a photobooth that was propped by the entrance.
“I hope with all my events it’s an exclusive space that students can hang out,” Muhamad said.
For students who wished to come to the event but didn’t want to make a stuffed animal, there were other options. Muhamad said that there would be “giant UNO games and yard games set up for those who don’t want to build a bear.”
Depending on the success of the event, Muhamad shared that she would bring it back next year.
An event that took place at last year’s Roar Daze will be making a comeback this year is the Drag Show.
Muhamad said she is most excited for this event in particular. “My fondest members at a previous Roar Daze event is the Drag Show from 2019 because that was so educational to students while still being so fun!” Muhamad said.
More events held during Roar Daze include the “1 Minute to Win It” competition where students faced off for a chance to win prizes on Tuesday, April 6; Roar Fest on Wednesday, April 7; the Roar Daze-sponsored theater showing of Godzilla vs. Kong on Friday, April 9; and the “Retro 90’s Night” will end out the week on Saturday, April 10.
For more information, check Student Life’s website. Information can also be found on Mountain Lion Connect, where students can sign up for Roar Daze events.
