Halloween at Swarthmore
From pumpkin carvings to monster movie projections, Swarthmore's community got in to the spirit of Halloween with a pair of annual traditions over the weekend.
On Friday, a trail of miniature pumpkins appeared on campus to lead students to one of the College's most popular traditions, Halloween with the Dean. The annual celebration, hosted by Dean of Students Liz Braun, provides a nice break in routine for students.
"One of the most gratifying things for me is when students tell me that they look forward to coming every year and that it's one of their favorite Swarthmore traditions," says Braun. "I look forward to this event as much as the students do and love welcoming them to hang out at my house and just relax."
Now in its eighth year, Halloween with the Dean includes a pumpkin-carving contest, crafts, s'mores, and a make-your-own-trail-mix bar, among other activities. Additionally, there were a cappella performances by Offbeat, Mixed Company, Grapevine, and Sixteen Feet. Braun says that attendance has increased each year and estimates that over 400 students came through over the course of this year's event.
"We were lucky to have such beautiful weather and we were able to have all the a cappella groups perform on my front porch," she says. "Another popular aspect of the event this year was my dog Zita -- she got a lot of love, attention, and selfies with students."
Rebecca Castillo '20, from Azusa, Calif., enjoys the friendly and relaxing environment. "I love going because it's a nice study break and gets me so excited for fall," she says. "It's special to me because it's always nice to see the Swarthmore community outside of Cornell or Sharples. And of course, free pizza and Dean Braun's dog are always a plus."
Additionally, another Halloween-themed tradition returned to campus over the weekend, providing onlookers from campus and the community with a thrilling sight. On Friday evening, a video projection inspired by horror visions of the past and future was beamed onto the water tower behind the Science Center.
The projection show, which ran through the weekend and will conclude tonight at 7pm, is supported by the Language and Media Centers, the Department of Theater, LPAC office, and Film & Media Studies.
Tonight's special Halloween projection show will feature a live sound accompaniment on Swarthmore's student-run radio station WSRN.
Watch a clip of the projection below
