Students relaxed the Monday of finals week at Dead Day events on campus and at The Grace Museum.
The Grace hosted its second semi-annual College De-Stress Day where students could view the museum’s exhibits, drink coffee, visit with service dogs and snap pictures at a photo booth for free.
“We tried it on a whim last semester and we had 276 students show up so we thought this is obviously a need, so we’re going to keep doing it every semester, we hope,” said Rebecca Bridges, programming and interpretations coordinator at The Grace Museum.
Faith Elissague, freshman nursing major from Tehachapi, California, said this was her first time going to the De-Stress Day, but it was a welcome start to her finals week.
“Before I came here, I had to go to a study session, but to come here right before I do my hard studying was kind of nice to get that separation,” Elissague said.
Back on campus, students took turns dunking faculty and staff members in a dunk tank sponsored by the ACU Campus Activities Board. The faculty members at risk for taking the plunge were Annalise Hernandez, Jessica Nguyen, Prentice Ashford and Mark Lewis.
Marissa Hickson, freshman marketing major from Katy, took a few throws at the dunk tank and said it was a leisurely break from what is likely to be a long week of studying.
“This was a cool break from studying and a lot of fun just to come out here without worrying about finals,” Hickson said.
As throwing at the dunk tank went on, Tom Craig, director of student activities and productions, prepared a pen for the most anticipated Dead Day visitors- the puppies from the Abilene Animal Shelter. Craig said activities like the dunk tank and puppy pen allow students to regroup before diving into their studying.
“All these activities are designed for people just to relax, clear their minds and take a few minutes to refocus for studying a preparing for finals the rest of the week,” Craig said.
Amy Sloan, senior advertising and public relations major from San Antonio, was one of three students on the Campus Activities Board who coordinated the arrival of the puppies.
“I think they’re such a finals staple because they’re so sweet and cuddly,” Sloan said. “It’s kind of fun to focus on something else besides your to-do list and your test.”
Dead Day ended with the annual Midnight Breakfast put on by the Student Alumni Association. The event was luau themed and transformed the Bean into a tropical paradise featuring karaoke, a slew of breakfast options and games in which students could win prizes.
Katy Westerlage, president of the Student Alumni Association, said the breakfast is a way for students to hang out with friends before the end of the semester.
“I think it’s a good last hurrah before Christmas break or summer break,” Westerlage said. “It’s a good way to cap the day, hang out with friends and play some games.”
