By BENJAMIN KLIEWER, Student Reporter
Northwestern’s Student Government Association will give Rangers a chance to learn about campus clubs and make new friends during an event called Meet the Rangers Night on Sept. 1. The Northwestern News spoke with SGA Adviser Olivia Yandel about the event. Here’s what you need to know:
Q: Tell us about this event.
A: It is called Meet the Rangers Night, and basically, it used to be a kickoff pep rally for the athletics. But this year, we are tag-teaming it with a club fair as well. Obviously, Northwestern represents more than athletes. We represent students of all different backgrounds, cultures and interests. So, we decided to put the two together.
Q: Where will the event take place?
A: It will be out at Ranger Field. Students can park on the west side [of the] home parking lot, and it will bring you to right where we are going to be at.
Q: What can students do at the event?
A: Right now, we plan to have lawn games out on the football field. We will be handing out 350 free black T-shirts for the blackout game, which is the [Sept. 2] night football game. They can come and meet with the clubs and organizations that have tables or they can go play lawn games with the clubs and organizations.
Q: Which clubs are going to be there?
A: Right now, we have about 10 clubs signed up. … I am hoping to get at least 20. The RSVP date for the event is Aug. 27.
Q: How can a student participate in the event?
A: Just show up. We are requiring you to have your student ID to get your T-shirt. So, you must have an active student ID to get a T-shirt. After that, it is free-range, so you can go play the games, talk to clubs and organizations.
We will follow-up the event with a pep rally to kick off the athletic season for all our sports and everything. Band will be playing, cheerleaders will be cheering – all that good stuff.
Q: What is your favorite part of the event and why?
A: Just being able to have students support students. Especially this year, I feel like it will be really nice to have a good collection of our athletes, plus all the other people on our campus. Because I feel, a lot of times, athletes may overshadow the students who are involved in many other things that are just as important to making Ranger nation what it is. In years past, it is really cool to see all the students there to support each other, have a good time, get their free T-shirt and hang out with each other.
Q: Is there anything else students should know about this event?
A: They might want to start lining up early to get the shirts. We plan to start it at 7 [p.m.]. We may move it up depending upon when football gets done with their practices and everything. But right now, start time is planned for 7 [p.m.].