[David Barnes]

Hi,

We have done these several times. Ideas that have worked are different food in different spaces to get students to walk through the whole building. A big themed cake always has been a hit. Designed with a theme and/or made to look like the complex.?

Themed T shirts work very well and are very popular. A banner or foam board, again with a theme or design of the building, where students can sign it and then it can be put up for the year and then framed and added to the buildings art collection.

?Stickers for water bottles/computers are much desired.

Taking tons of photos of students celebrating and using the building is also very useful.

?Consider using the date of grand opening as a recurring Open House celebration every year to introduce the complex to new students. The returning students will love it as well.

?Excited for you. Have fun with it.

——————————
David Barnes
Director, University Unions
James Madison University
Harrisonburg VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-08-2022 09:56
From: Trici Fredrick
Subject: Ideas for Student Celebration of Building Completion

Hi All,

We are planning a grand opening celebration for the completion of our building expansion and renovation. We are thinking about hosting an open-house style event that will allow students to drop in and see any of our spaces – including administrative offices – over a three hour time period. The building also marks the completion of our “Student Life Neighborhood” with additional spaces that house Campus Living, Health & Wellness, and Career Development all nearby and these groups have also been invited to participate. 

Has anyone had success with an event like this? We are looking for suggestions for activities, giveaways, and even a name for the event!

Thanks in advance!

——————————
Trici Fredrick Rudalf
Senior Associate Director
William & Mary
Williamsburg VA
——————————

[Scott Garrison]

Along with the suggestion of different food in different areas, you could possibly do a scavenger hunt which requires the students to pick up something from each area.? If you have time to order things, a passport them could be fun with the students getting a stamp from each area of the center.? If they complete the whole passport they could get the T shirt and be entered into a drawing for bigger prizes like gift cards.

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Scott Garrison
Facilities Reservations Manager
Salisbury University
sagarrison@salisbury.edu
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——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2022 06:50
From: David Barnes
Subject: Ideas for Student Celebration of Building Completion

Hi,

We have done these several times. Ideas that have worked are different food in different spaces to get students to walk through the whole building. A big themed cake always has been a hit. Designed with a theme and/or made to look like the complex. 

Themed T shirts work very well and are very popular. A banner or foam board, again with a theme or design of the building, where students can sign it and then it can be put up for the year and then framed and added to the buildings art collection.

 Stickers for water bottles/computers are much desired.

Taking tons of photos of students celebrating and using the building is also very useful.

 Consider using the date of grand opening as a recurring Open House celebration every year to introduce the complex to new students. The returning students will love it as well.

 Excited for you. Have fun with it.

——————————
David Barnes
Director, University Unions
James Madison University
Harrisonburg VA
——————————

Original Message:
Sent: 08-08-2022 09:56
From: Trici Fredrick
Subject: Ideas for Student Celebration of Building Completion

Hi All,

We are planning a grand opening celebration for the completion of our building expansion and renovation. We are thinking about hosting an open-house style event that will allow students to drop in and see any of our spaces – including administrative offices – over a three hour time period. The building also marks the completion of our “Student Life Neighborhood” with additional spaces that house Campus Living, Health & Wellness, and Career Development all nearby and these groups have also been invited to participate. 

Has anyone had success with an event like this? We are looking for suggestions for activities, giveaways, and even a name for the event!

Thanks in advance!

——————————
Trici Fredrick Rudalf
Senior Associate Director
William & Mary
Williamsburg VA
——————————