2008 Woodie Awards
UST Traditions: Then and Now
NeewollaH
Abby Haun & Priscilla Bigner
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
UST's annual Halloween bash, Neewollah (Halloween spelled backwards), is one of the University's oldest and most widely attended traditions.
Cauldron archives, as far back as 1974, feature Neewollah festivities. The Summa yearbook, which is no longer produced, said that in 1997 about 140 guests attended. Last year the event had more than 600 attendees, according the Student Activities Board, which hosts the party.
Last year, Neewollah was moved from its traditional location at Link-Lee Mansion to the patio of Crooker Center, where it will remain this year. A haunted house was set up inside of Crooker last year but was cancelled this year due to lack of interest.
According to SAB President Jennifer Monroy, an additional dance floor will be added for students to show off their costumes. "The party is really about students showcasing their creativity in the costumes they put together," she said.
A costume contest will be held, which in the past has awarded winning students with cash prizes or gift cards.
Sophomore international studies major Sheza Hamdy dressed up as a pirate for her first Neewollah.
"Neewollah is an important tradition because we don't usually have these huge dances that we're known for, like Rice does," Hamdy said. "This is something that contributes to our reputation, I guess you can say, as a University."
This year, festivities begin Oct. 26 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $3 if purchased at the Student Activities Office or $5 at the door.
Cauldron archives, as far back as 1974, feature Neewollah festivities. The Summa yearbook, which is no longer produced, said that in 1997 about 140 guests attended. Last year the event had more than 600 attendees, according the Student Activities Board, which hosts the party.
Last year, Neewollah was moved from its traditional location at Link-Lee Mansion to the patio of Crooker Center, where it will remain this year. A haunted house was set up inside of Crooker last year but was cancelled this year due to lack of interest.
According to SAB President Jennifer Monroy, an additional dance floor will be added for students to show off their costumes. "The party is really about students showcasing their creativity in the costumes they put together," she said.
A costume contest will be held, which in the past has awarded winning students with cash prizes or gift cards.
Sophomore international studies major Sheza Hamdy dressed up as a pirate for her first Neewollah.
"Neewollah is an important tradition because we don't usually have these huge dances that we're known for, like Rice does," Hamdy said. "This is something that contributes to our reputation, I guess you can say, as a University."
This year, festivities begin Oct. 26 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $3 if purchased at the Student Activities Office or $5 at the door.