Winter Fantasia, Coffeehouse, and future SAC events

Hope College’s Student Activities Committee (SAC) recently hosted one of their biggest events of the semester: Winter Fantasia. On Jan. 19, students were able to take a break from the onslaught of winter weather and escape to a night of dancing, music and fun. This annual event took place in the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, MI. To make this event more accessible to all students, transportation was provided for those who needed it. At the cost of $15 per ticket, students were able to dress up and experience a night unlike any other. Along with fun music and dancing, SAC also provided guests with a macaroni and cheese bar, an assortment of appetizers, desserts and mocktails. A photo booth and a 360 photo booth were also provided for students. These were a huge hit, and many students had never seen anything like it before. Anya Wolters (’27) said, “The photobooth stuff was cool. I really liked that they could print them out at the end.” Wolters then went on to explain how she thought that the 360 photo booth specifically was fun, and she appreciated that everyone in the photo got a physical copy of the picture. Students could also send the picture as a text message to themselves. 

While most of the event was a blast, some students believed that not everything was up to par. Castle Dettinger (’27) and Wolters both agreed that the drinks were not exactly what they expected. Dettinger claimed, “The drinks weren’t as advertised,” and Wolters wished that there was a wider variety of mocktails. Even with this slight disappointment, both students agreed that the event was well worth the cost, and they would definitely go again. 

There is never a dull moment at Hope, as SAC provides students with a new activities every week, so keep an eye out for what is to come. SAC has an assortment of annual events, along with rotating events that switch out every year. Some of their annual events include Winter Fantasia and Spring Fling, while rotating events are determined by members of the SAC committee. They are focused on reaching a wide variety of students on campus, and they try their best to plan events that will draw in all different types of students. Their most recent event was The Mentalist with Chris Carter on Jan. 26. Some of their upcoming events include a Valentine’s event on Feb. 10 and a SAC carnival on Feb. 16. These events are meant to give students an outlet where they can take a break from coursework, rewind and have fun with friends and other classmates. More information about SAC events can be found on the SAC Instagram and the various fliers that are posted around campus. 

Along with the events that SAC has planned, they also host Coffeehouses in the Bultman Student Center. These take place every other Thursday at 8 p.m. Coffeehouses give students with musical talent the opportunity to share their music with other students. Students interested in performing at a Coffeehouse can scan one of the QR codes on the flyers posted around campus to sign up for an audition. It is a great way for students to express their creativity and show their love for music. If you wish to support fellow student musicians and have a great time, you will not want to miss the next Coffeehouse event. 

Matthew Czmer, a senior at Hope and a member of SAC, is the current co-director of events with a Coffeehouse focus. His favorite SAC event is Spring Fling because it is a great opportunity to have fun with friends, and the free food draws in a lot of students. He has been a part of SAC for three years and really enjoys planning and attending Coffeehouses. Be sure to stop by a Coffeehouse or the next SAC event for a good time!