Ahoy students! Prepare to set sail on ETSU’s 13th annual Winter Cruise beginning at 10 a.m. today in the Culp Center. Admission is free.
This year’s theme, The Eccentric ’80s, was organized by University Productions and will run until 3 p.m. with booths sponsored by a medley of campus organizations.
Kimberly Bublat, staff programmer for University Productions, said preparing for this year’s program, which is completely planned and coordinated by students, was challenging.
As of now, 40 organizations have secured space on the cruise and Bublat said they’re still getting requests for tables.
Each year the winter gala is a catchall of student activities and campus organizations.
University Productions will be making photo puzzles at their booth, while the Residence Hall Association offers sand art. Volunteer ETSU will be there with a Care Bear theme.
Sororities and fraternities will also be represented at the festivities. Alpha Xi Delta will be there with a Twister booth.
Kim Lowe, director of student activities, said this event is a great way to receive free publicity.
“University Productions sponsors it, but it wouldn’t be a success without all the organizations participating,” she said.
Most organizations are doing giveaways during the day. Aramark, the campus food service provider, will sponsor one of the largest freebies — food.
On previous Winter Cruises they’ve handed out an assortment of foods such as chips and ice cream.
Although the cruise ends in the afternoon there are several programs being held Thursday evening that students may attend.
Campus Recreation is showing seven short sports films that were featured at the Sawtooth Film Festival in Sun Valley, Idaho last August. The films begin at 6 p.m. in the Center for Physical Activity and last approximately 1hr 45 min.
Also Thursday, the Black Affairs Association and the office of multicultural affairs will host lecturer Dr. David L. Swoope Jr. at 7 p.m. in the Culp Center, Forum.
Swoope is a motivational speaker, educator, singer and poet.
He will give an interactive talk about the personal attributes people must possess or acquire while moving toward a “positive, progressive and growth-oriented life.

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