Spirits High at This Year’s Block Party
Despite recovery from Hurricane Irene, The New School community’s spirits were high at the 15th annual New School Welcome Block Party. On Thursday, September 1, 2,200 students, faculty, staff, and 12th Street neighbors came out in full force to participate in the festivities. The block party has become the unofficial celebration to mark the opening of school and is one of the university’s largest on-campus events held during the year.
Student Development and Activities (OSDA) is responsible for organizing this annual event, which provides the university community with the opportunity to learn about the many services and resources available at The New School and the surrounding area. Several emerging student organizations along with returning organizations were on hand to encourage students to get involved in their on-campus activities. Student Health Services promoted its new Body Positive program by giving away intent bracelets. This initiative supports healthy thinking at all sizes and promotes positive self-image. One notable addition to the Block Party was the large boat on display built by students in the Lang on the Hudson class.
Chartwells, the university’s catering service, arranged for a variety of food vendors to serve an international selection of complimentary food and beverages. Students from the Jazz Program entertained attendees throughout the afternoon as they enjoyed activities such as henna, caricatures and recreation games from the Office of Recreation and Intramural Sports. Community partners at this year’s Block Party included McBurney YMCA, Food Bank for NYC, Allied-THA, Blick Art Materials, Utrecht Art Supply and the Rubin Museum of Art.
For a look at some of the block partiers, and to find out what brought them to The New School, check out this news story.