Festival ISU celebrates 35 years in a new locaction

NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State University held its annual “Festival ISU” for students on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The event has taken place on the ISU quad in previous years, but moved inside the Bone Student Center due to excessive heat. The festival celebrated its 35 year anniversary after it kicked off in 1989.

Jacob Rottinghause works for the Dean of Students and helped plan the event. He spoke on the challenges faced in this year’s event. Students had the option to visit the Brown Ballroom, Old Main Room and Prairie Room.

“It limits the experience just because students aren’t able to walk through [the quad] as they would normally after class. However, I do think with all the signage, marking and location we’ve had a great number of students,” Rottinghause said.

Rottinghause and the Dean of Students planned the event months in advance to account for the near 300 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs.)

“The life outside the classroom really helps students grow from what learn in the classroom and apply it to professional or just fun things,” Rottinghause said.

Alex Prince spoke on behalf of ISU’s film RSO, The Film Society, on the impact the festival has on students.

“At the beginning of the year, they’re are a lot of people who haven’t found groups and social circles yet and its really cool to see these people go out and explore new things,” Prince said. “Involvement can really make your time here at ISU.”

Prince’s club and other RSOs were seen with poster boards, member bios and free stuff. Lines for the event stretched from McAlister’s Deli all the way to Starbucks.

“Take risks and try new things. College is a really great place to experiment and it doesn’t have to be with your major, just get out and try,” Prince said.

Festival ISU will return to campus at the start of the next school year.