Up-and-coming musician Austin Renfroe performed at “Stars and S’mores,” an event co-sponsored by the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and the Student Activities Board (SAB), on Tuesday, Sept. 30 on the Residential Quad. The event featured music, multiple bonfires, s’mores, and hot chocolate for all University students.
Renfroe is known as a soulful singer and songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. He tours colleges and universities around the country. Starting off his quad concert, Renfroe captured the hearts of the University community by singing covers of Disney songs including pieces from “Tarzan” and “The Little Mermaid.”
“The artist did a lot of interesting covers and really brought spirit to the quad,” said Amber Nolan, a sophomore criminal justice major and Vice President of Advocacy for RHA.
SAB President and junior business administration major Dylan Vargas said he saw Renfroe perform at their national conference, National Associaion for Campus Activities (NACA). After seeing his showcase, the executive board decided he was a good fit for a campus event “because he gave off a good vibe,” according to Vargas.
“The quad was well lit by the bonfires, which gave the event a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere,” said Cristina Rauco, a junior Englsih major, when asked about her experience at the event.
Students filtered in and out of the quad throughout the night, surrounding the bonfires to keep warm, make endless s’mores, and enjoying the first of the fall weather.
“This event was very successful and had an exceptionally high attendance for a Tuesday night concert,” said Tom Egan, junior business administration major and vice president of SAB.
SAB tabled at the event to sell CD’s for $8 and t-shirts for $20, both featuring Renfroe. Proceeds from the merchandise went directly to the musician. SAB also sold tickets for their upcoming event, “Groove Boston,” which took place on Friday, Oct. 3.
“We have been having great turnouts this year and have stepped up our game as far as event quality. We can’t wait to see what’s to come in the future,” Vargas said.
Overseeing “Stars and S’mores” was the Assistant Director of Student Activities and Student Center Operations, Megan McGowan. McGowan was approached by SAB about the event, which she then followed up with an approval. McGowan, working cooperatively with Alicia Thompson, advisor of RHA, helped kick start the planning of the event.
“I’m really happy that RHA and SAB have decided to work together on our coffee house series this semester,” McGowan said. “They have some great things planned this year that I highly recommend students come to and check out the events.”
For future events, Vargas and the remainder of his executive board plan to continue pairing with other clubs on campus, such as RHA, to promote unity while also encouraging a larger crowd of students with dual promotion techniques.
Carly Trill, a sophomore social work major, “I supported RHA and spent time with friends while watching a great performer.”
The outside concert also gave freshmen students a chance to complete part of the S.H.A.D.O.W. program. Every year, the Office of Transitions and Leadership Programs in the Division of Student Life organizes the S.H.A.D.O.W. program, encouraging first-year involvement on campus. It is a nine-week challenge. S.H.A.D.O.W stands for Service and Leadership, Hawk Pride, Academics, Diversity, Organizations and Involvement, and Wellness.
The program gives first-year students the opportunity to become involved on campus by attending events hosted by several organizations. “Stars and S’mores” counted within the Organizations and Involvement category. Upon completion, first year students are entered into prize drawings at the end of the semester.
