Every July 24 marks a special time in the Utahn calendar. Celebrating the day when the first pioneers made it to the Salt Lake Valley, the whole state dedicated that span of time to parades, pirates and other events. Not to mention that it falls into the summer prime time that is the end of July. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the some of the actives that can be done across the state in honor of its founding.

Events and activities

First off is the all-day Pioneer Day event at This Is The Place Heritage Park. With a parade, dancers, games and watermelon eating contests it will serve as a great time for anyone who attends. While it is the premier Pioneer Day celebration, there are many more across the state. For something more relaxing and laid back, there is The Days Of ‘47 Parade held along State Street. Held by KSL, The Days of ‘47 Parade is one of the oldest running parades in the country’s history. With floats, horses, marching bands and so much more it is guaranteed to be a good time for both friends and family. The beginning of the parade is at State Street and South Temple and ends at 900 S and 600 E, so there will be plenty of places to watch the colorful event pass by.

For those looking for a more thrilling celebration of Pioneer Day, the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo is the place to be. Held in Utah State Fairpark from July 22 to 26, the rodeo is a near week-long show of western fun. There are eight different events ranging from the classic bull riding to more advanced events such as steer wrestling, it is a show of country skill that only comes around once a year. In addition to that, there will be smaller events and games, such as the free-to-attend barbecue contest, The Blaze of ‘47. Lastly, there is a chance for children to get involved with the rodeo games with the Utah Mutton Busting Championships held July 19 at the beginning of the rodeo. Catered to children from the ages of 3 to 6, it gives them a chance to experience the thrill of bronco busting without any of the hazards, save from a light tumble off of a sheep.

Lastly, for a good way to end a day of celebration and fun, look no further than the drone show that will be held at 10 p.m. on July 24 at Liberty Park. The show is free to attend and available to all ages and with the only requirement being to find a seat before they’re all gone! Watching live as the shapes are being formed and how far technology has come since the pioneer days is sure to leave memories.

So, with these events, listening and so much more to be found, there can be no doubt that July 24 will be a fun time for anyone who wants to attend — be it going to a rodeo, relaxing and watching parade floats go by or enjoying some good local food. No matter what you decide, be sure to stay hydrated and enjoy celebrating your Utah heritage this Thursday.

l.utley@dailyutahchronicle.com

@luke-studentmedia.bsky.social

The post How to Celebrate Like a Pioneer first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

In June, commissioners of the four largest conferences in NCAA college football met in North Carolina to discuss the annual postseason playoff format. After two days of closed-door negotiations, commissioners left empty-handed. 

The College Football Playoff is a relatively new concept. From 2014 to 2023, the playoffs operated under a four-team invitational knockout bracket. A selection committee, composed of coaches, media and athletic directors, decided which teams would participate. After years of controversy, it became clear that four teams was not enough to determine a “national champion,” and in 2024 the NCAA announced the change to the current 12-team format, with some key differences. Among those changes is the automatic bid system. Under the current format, the four conferences with eight or more teams (SEC, BIG 12, BIG 10, ACC) receive an automatic bid for their conference champions. Those conference champions receive a bye in the first round of the playoffs, while the other eight teams are seeded to play each other in that round. This playoff format was mostly a success. The committee’s selection of the eight non-conference champion teams followed general consensus postseason rankings, and Ohio State’s dominant playoff run proved that they were (probably) the best team in the country. But smaller problems still remained — non-playoff bowl games were rendered pointless, and strength of schedule became a contentious point. 

At the core of new negotiations are the competing demands of the two biggest conferences: the SEC (16 teams) and the BIG 10 (18 teams). Both dominate the sport. In the AP’s postseason rankings, BIG 10 teams occupy four of the top ten spots, while the SEC has three. They also have lucrative, unmatched media deals, which provide them with more money and negotiating power. Recent conference realignments have only exacerbated this gap.

However, the two conferences are divided on the future of the playoffs. For months, the BIG 10 has maintained that both they and the SEC should receive four automatic bids in a 16-team playoff. The ACC and BIG 12 would each receive two, with one auto bid for another conference champion. The last three spots would be at-large bids. Critics of this format argue that it prefers predetermined conference strength versus actual season performance. This convoluted playoff scheme was originally preferred by the SEC, until the SEC’s annual conference meeting. Now, the SEC prefers the more popular 5+11 format, which maintains the structure of the current playoffs (one conference champion auto-bid, rest at-large). This 5+11 format is the ACC and BIG12’s vote as well. 

So, what’s the issue? The BIG 10 is against this plan. Currently, SEC members (and the ACC) play eight conference games (as opposed to the BIG 10’s nine), allowing them to play an easier opponent for an extra win. The BIG 10 maintains that this puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to at-large bids, as the first eliminator is win/loss percentage. But the SEC is reluctant to add an extra conference game, as it would guarantee half of their teams an added loss. This disagreement has led to a standstill as commissioners go back to the drawing board.

For dedicated Tech football fans, these negotiations won’t have an immediate impact on our upcoming football season. The ACC will have voting power in these negotiations, and it’s looking increasingly likely that the 5+11 format will be adopted. If anything, the expanded field will give Tech a better chance of making it to the playoffs, with the help of one or two upsets. Tech’s impressive recruiting class and new staff should make that a bit easier. 

It’s unclear if commissioners will meet again to discuss these plans. Despite this uncertainty, some argue that disagreement between the two conferences is better for the sport as a whole, as their combined negotiating power would be too hard to combat. Nevertheless, a new format cannot be adopted unless both conferences agree. Regardless of whether commissioners reach a decision, the 25-26 playoff will proceed with the current 12-team format. Still, even if no changes are made for the future, sticking with the existing structure may not be the biggest loss.

The post NCAA negotiates changes to College Football Playoff format appeared first on Technique.

Houston’s student section erupts in celebration of a game-changing free throw during the second half of the Final Four, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Life at UH isn’t just about test scores and assignments. It’s also filled with rich traditions that showcase the love and pride students have for being a Cougar. 

The UH spirit stays alive with decades-old customs from the Cougar Paw to the Red Seas. Here’s a dive into the traditions and history that make UH unforgettable. 

Then and Meow: The history of the University’s mascot 

Shasta the Cougar has been the mascot since 1947. The University has had both a live and costumed version of Shasta throughout the decades. 

In 1947, the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity purchased a live mountain lion to keep on campus grounds. The name ‘Shasta’ was chosen via a campus-wide contest won by student Joe Randol. 

Shasta I-V were taken care of by the Cougar Guard, a group of students whose responsibility was to care for and transport Shasta. From 1947-1989, Shasta was transported to football games to amp up the crowd and show school spirit; however, in 1989, Shasta V had to be euthanized due to kidney failure. From then on, a new costumed mascot holding the same name was introduced. 

In 2012, Shasta VI was purchased from Washington State and brought to the Houston Zoo, continuing the UH tradition of live mascots. He was euthanized in 2022 due to a progressive spinal disease and declining health. 

In 2022, Shasta VII and Louie, two orphaned cougar cubs, were adopted by UH and are the current live mascots. 

Despite not having a live version of Shasta on campus anymore, the Houston Zoo offers one free admission a year for UH students to enjoy the zoo and visit their beloved mascot. 

Cougar Paw: The toe-tal history 

Three fingers up with the ring finger and thumb down might seem like a simple hand gesture, but its history shows true unity amongst UH students. 

The Cougar Paw was first presented in 1953, but it didn’t start with UH students. On the way to a football game against the University of Texas, Shasta I’s front paw got caught on the cage door, which led to her losing her toe. UT fans were quick to taunt her injury by holding their ring finger down to their palm during the game against UH. Although UH lost, students were able to flip the script in 1976 when the Cougars defeated the Longhorns 30-0 in their first year in the Southwest Conference. The Cougar Paw filled the stadium that day.

This cemented the Cougar Paw into UH history, highlighting that no matter what, the Cougars will never give up.

Cougar Red Fridays: “On Fridays, we wear red.”

If it’s a Friday, you better be wearing red. Students don’t have to wait until a game or event to show off their Cougar pride: That’s what Fridays are all about. 

Whether you are a student, professor or alumni, wearing red on Fridays is a simple way to say “I am a coog!” Shasta’s Cones & More in Student Center South gives $1 ice cream scoops if you’re wearing red on Fridays. 

Frontier Fiesta: The wild wild West 

Towards the end of the spring semester, Fiesta City takes over TDECU stadium lot F to create a pop-up western town for a three-day event filled with activities, cook-offs and student performances. 

Frontier Fiesta first began in 1939 but was halted at the beginning of World War II. In 1947-1959, the event welcomed an average of 20,000 attendees and was named the “Greatest College Show on Earth” by LIFE Magazine in 1958. During 1959, the festivity was once again cancelled, but was revived in 1992 and has been going strong since. 

The festival is an all-inclusive event with free entry for all.

Cougar Blessing

Receiving your class ring is a reflection of a milestone, but before you get to put on that ring, it receives a blessing from Shasta himself. 

Every ring spends a night at the Houston Zoo with Shasta in what is known as the “Blessing of the Rings.”  After the ceremony, students wear the ring inward with the UH logo facing them until graduation. Once you cross that stage, students turn the ring outward to show that they are now part of the UH alumni family.  

Homecoming

The homecoming season is exciting, with plenty of events taking place during the fall semester. 

Though homecoming is famously tied to football season, it is also a week celebrating the University, its students and its organizations. 

Each day of homecoming, there are different events for students to enjoy such as “Strut Your Stuff,” “Banner Competition,” “Block Party” and special performances. 

Rub the Paw

In 2003, two UH alumni requested the Cougar statues outside of Cullen Plaza. They were sculpted by Alaska-based artist  R.T. Wallen. 

Today, students often visit the statue to rub Shasta’s paw for luck before a game, test or any special event that needs a little bit of Shasta luck. 

Once a Coog, Always a Coog 

Now that you know the traditions and history that make UH, you’ll be able to keep the traditions alive during your time here. 

Whether it’s putting up a Cougar Paw or wearing red on a Friday, UH traditions connect students to the legacy and pride of the Cougar spirit.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“‘Paws up!’: The UH traditions that every student needs to know” was originally posted on The Cougar

Despite having strong family ties with the University of Arkansas, Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey chose the maroon and gold. 

Six of Lindsey’s family members played for the Razorbacks. His sister, Loren Lindsey, is a current member of the Arkansas women’s basketball team. 

Lindsey’s dad, uncle, cousin and grandfather all played football at the University of Arkansas. However, his grandfather, Jim Lindsey, played for the Minnesota Vikings for seven years. 

Lindsey said his grandfather’s journey helped draw him to the University of Minnesota. 

“It just seemed like destiny with my grandfather playing here,” Lindsey said. “It just seemed like something was calling me here.” 

Lindsey said it was clear the love the recruitment team had for him. He said they wanted him to come in and make an impact on the team. 

Last year, Lindsey worked under former quarterback Max Brosmer, spending the year learning from the fifth-year quarterback. The two players communicated constantly with each other.

Lindsey and Brosmer were roommates in the hotel when traveling and spent a lot of time together outside of classes. Lindsey said the two would sit and watch films together and have conversations about the games.

One of the biggest things Lindsey learned from Brosmer was the constant preparation it takes to be a starting quarterback. 

“It was really great for me to see the preparation there,” Lindsey said. “I genuinely don’t think there is anyone in the country who prepared like Max.” 

In January, Lindsey entered his new leadership role. He said that initially he tried to imitate Brosmer’s leadership style, but it changed over time. 

He was able to develop his own style that worked best for both him and the team. It is clear that his teammates agree. 

Gophers running back Darius Taylor talked about how Lindsey is able to command the field. 

“He does a great job facilitating on the field,” Taylor said. 

Taylor added he is excited about the new leadership, and it has been one of the biggest changes from last year to this year. He said the way the team talks to each other and the way they do things on the field are different, but that is a good thing. 

Defensive lineman Anthony Smith said it is fun to be around Lindsey both on and off the field. 

“Off the field, I think he is an amazing dude, on the field I think he is an awesome leader,” Smith said. “He has really stepped his game up.” 

It is clear that his teammates and coaches have faith in his ability to take over Brosmer’s role on the team. 

Lindsey saw brief action in three games last year, all of which the Gophers held a large lead in. On August 28, Lindsey will put his leadership skills to the test against Buffalo for the first game of the 2025 season.

Morale is high for the Gophers women’s basketball team heading into only a few months remaining before tip-off. 

After The Athletic ranked the Gophers in the top-25 to watch for the 2025-26 season, and their Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament championship, the team is confident they can take another step.

The last time the University of Minnesota made March Madness was in 2018, and they are on the path to make another appearance this year.

Coach Dawn Plitzuweit said in a recent interview with KMSP that their work to win the WBIT is already showing benefits as they start preparing for the upcoming season.

“Our resilience got better, our togetherness got better, and how we’d play,” Plitzuweit said. “We’re seeing that now in our summer work how that’s benefitting us.”

Despite not having a complete schedule, the Gophers’ Big Ten games have been released.

Last year, the Gophers went 12-0 against their non-conference opponents, even after they lost redshirt junior Mara Braun to a foot injury.

Even if Braun does not stay healthy, the Gophers could once again win all of their non-conference games. The real struggle for the Gophers came with their Big Ten opponents.

There are 18 conference games. The Gophers will play everyone in the Big Ten once, and the University of Wisconsin twice.

Wisconsin lost twice to Minnesota last year and underwent a complete rebuild after their 4-14 conference record last year. Wisconsin gained a new head coach, three new assistants and eight new players; the majority of their returning players were bench players.

The Badgers may have a hard time quickly building the team chemistry needed to compete, and with Minnesota losing none of their starters the Gophers have the team chemistry and experience to beat them both times.

The Gophers took care of Penn State with a 90-54 win last season, and their leading scorer, Gracie Merkle, hit the transfer portal. Penn State’s own student reporters say that they have no chance in the Big Ten.

“As the roster stands right now, the Lady Lions have no chance to compete in the Big Ten next year,” said Sam Krasowitz of the Daily Collegian, the Penn State student newspaper. 

Since that article was published, the Nittany Lions have added women from the transfer portal, but not enough to overcome the Gophers, 15-0.

The University of Illinois lost 70% of their scoring, according to their coach, but they also have a top-10 ranked incoming freshman class. The inexperience of the freshman can help  Minnesota leave Illinois with a win.

Northwestern and Purdue each lost to the Gophers at home. This year, they will travel to Minneapolis, meaning the Gophers could win both.

The University of California-Los Angeles lost a few players to the transfer portal, but their team is still the strongest Big Ten team. Though UCLA is playing at Williams Arena, the Gophers do not have the talent to win this one.

The University of Southern California and UCLA fought for the top spot in the Big Ten throughout last year’s regular season. After USC lost their star Juju Watkins to an ACL injury during March Madness last year, their tournament exit soon followed.

Watkins will most likely be out for the entire regular season, but USC recruited the top player in the nation, incoming freshman Jazzy Davidson. Along with fantastic transfer portal recruiting, the Gophers likely lose to the Trojans.

The University of Washington is lacking a dominant center, but their guard depth can most likely make up for it. 

The University of Oregon added many players from the portal transfer players, but it is up to their head coach, Kelly Graves, to lift them up as true competitors. The Gophers lose to Washington and win against Oregon.

In recap:

Wins: Illinois, Indiana, Rutgers, Northwestern, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin.

Losses: Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, UCLA, USC and Washington.

Toss-ups: Ohio State and Nebraska.

The Gophers have the strength of talented returning players. Due to the success of last year, the transfer portal was put on the back burner — hopefully it does not burn them.

Plitzuweit is confident that it won’t.

“We feel very blessed to have ten returners, that is something that is incredible for us moving forward,” Plitzuweit said. “They understand how we want to do things.”

Thanksgiving week will give Gophers fans their first look at the 2026 team with Braun, the new transfer students and incoming freshmen when they compete in an invitational tournament against teams such as Alabama and Ohio State.

The final prediction for the Gophers’ upcoming women’s basketball season is 23-7, with a March Madness appearance.

“Tinkering” is a term often used by Sarah Wayment to describe her and her father’s shared passion for creating things.

“He likes to tinker around, he’s like a huge woodworking guy and we’re kind of similar that way,” she said. In 2018, Wayment and her father, Lane Wayment, took this passion and created a metalsmithing business.

As the two began their business making spoon rings and the business began increasing in success, they needed a business name. It was only fitting they name it Sarah Lane Jewelry, combining their two names.

“His name is Lane, my name is Sarah and my middle name is Lane so I was like, ‘Sarah Lane Jewelry, that works great,’” she said.

Once Wayment attended college, the business dwindled out, as all of her supplies and tools were at her parents’ house. After not making jewelry for a few years, she moved to Salt Lake City and decided to move all of her metalsmithing materials to her new home. With a new space to work in, her father got her a workbench that “takes up her whole studio apartment,” Wayment said. Once she had her tools and workspace, she was back to metalsmithing and signed up for silversmithing classes at B Golden Jewelry School.

After taking classes, she started making pieces for Sarah Lane Jewelry once again.

“I started doing simple stuff, stuff with stones, but that didn’t require any silversmithing. Then I got more used to it and kept practicing,” Wayment said.

It wasn’t until she started posting on social media and selling at markets that Sarah Lane Jewelry took off. “I did the Maker’s Hive Market at the Gateway this year, it was super fun. That was probably my most successful one,” she said.

As a business owner, Wayment said the biggest challenge she faced while getting started was funding courses and materials. “It’s kind of like you’re spending all this money with little return or just breaking even,” she said. Despite this, she also found this to be the most rewarding part of the process.

“That was really hard, but I also feel like that’s maybe been the most rewarding thing, realizing, ‘Oh people actually like my stuff and I can make some money off this,’” she said.

A brand based in sustainability and nature

Looking at the Sarah Lane Jewelry pieces it is clear where the inspiration is drawn from: the outdoors. “I see colors or textures and I’ll be like, ‘that’s so gorgeous.’ I take pictures of the colors and I use it in my pieces,” she said.

Her jewelry often features stones such as turquoise and obsidian. My personal favorite of her collection is the sunny choker necklace with a super easy and chic clasp.

In harmony with Wayment’s desire to mimic nature, it’s also important to her to honor it as well through sustainability. “I wanted to stray away from consumerism and ‘How many of these can I whip out.’” She decided to use sterling silver in her pieces so that customers had jewelry that would last forever.

“I strive to make my pieces something you can pass down to your daughter and she passes down to her daughter, that’s really important,” she said.

h.edmonds@dailyutahchronicle.com

@haiedmonds.bsky.social

The post How Sarah Wayment Turned Tinkering Into a Silversmith Jewelry Business first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

Boston University announced it will eliminate about 120 occupied staff positions and close around 120 vacant listings, in a letter to faculty and staff on July 7. This coincides with a budget reduction of an average of 5% across all University units for the 2026 fiscal year. Both measures are set to take effect within the next several days.

The decision was a reaction to BU’s “challenging financial reality.” This includes federal funding cuts, rising inflation and changing demographics, according to a University statement. 

“Every effort has been made to limit the number of layoffs, and these actions will apply to approximately 1% of our employees,” BU President Melissa Gilliam and other University leaders wrote in the July 7 letter. “Still, we know that any reduction in staffing is painful.”

Recent federal policy changes have prompted efforts to cut costs at higher education institutions across the country including Harvard University, Northwestern University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

BU stated it will communicate personally with each affected employee, providing information about support and available transitional services.

Some faculty do not agree with how BU executed the layoffs.

Mary Battenfeld, co-president of the BU chapter of the American Association of University Professors, wrote in an email to The Daily Free Press that she believes the University appeared to take action without “faculty consultation and in violation of principles of shared governance.” 

The University also faced backlash from United Auto Workers Local 2324, the union representing more than 400 higher education staff at BU. Fifteen of its represented workers were laid off, and seven had their hours reduced, according to the union’s records.

Zachary Bos, president of the union, said BU did not notify the union in advance that it would be laying off employees. 

“Our first communication, much to our shock, was the same information all the other members of the campus community got, which is to say the president’s email from [July 7],” he said. “Prior to that, our efforts to learn whether BU was contemplating layoffs were only met with denials or stonewalls.”

Bos said an advance notification would have prepared the union to support the affected staff. He added the union would have been able to address potential noncompliance with the workers’ contracts, such as if they were laid off based on retaliation or discrimination.

The union intends to demand a town hall meeting with all involved personnel, he said. It has also filed a formal request for information regarding the financial rationale behind the layoffs.

“BU thinks that it can get away with it because it uses workers as disposable and replaceable,” Bos said. “Disrespect is not what I thought our institutional values were all about.”

BU expressed in the July 7 letter that its decision was necessary. The University plans to transform it into its “most efficient and vital form” over the next few months.

“This is a day of loss for all of us. There is no way around this,” Gilliam wrote. “We know our community may need time to adjust to these difficult changes. Yet, it is also a necessary step in ensuring our future.”

Planning a memorable college event doesn’t have to break the bank. We all know that budgets can be tight, but with a little creativity and smart strategies, we can throw parties that are both fun and affordable. From themed gatherings to casual hangouts, the key is to maximize our resources while keeping the spirit high.

One great way to create a wow-factor on a budget is by purchasing wholesale fireworks online. Buying in bulk can significantly cut costs while adding a spectacular visual element to outdoor events like graduation celebrations, welcome parties, or end-of-semester blowouts.

Don’t forget the tech side of party planning, either. Whether you’re using your phone to manage playlists, take photos, or coordinate with friends, it’s smart to protect your device without sacrificing style. A magsafe case for iphone 16 plus is a sleek and practical accessory that keeps your phone safe while staying compatible with all your MagSafe gear for added convenience during the festivities.

In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and tricks for budget-friendly party planning. Whether it’s finding the best deals on decorations or choosing cost-effective venues, we’ll cover everything we need to know to make our next event a success. Let’s dive in and discover how to celebrate without stressing over finances.

Understanding Budget-Friendly Party Planning

Budget-friendly party planning maximizes our resources while ensuring memorable experiences. Focusing on effective strategies allows us to celebrate without overspending.

Importance of Budgeting

Budgeting plays a crucial role in successful party planning. It helps us set realistic expectations, manage costs, and allocate funds appropriately for various aspects like food, decorations, and entertainment. Tracking expenses limits overspending and reduces financial stress. For example, we can use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor our spending effectively. Establishing a budget also encourages creativity, prompting us to find innovative solutions that meet our needs without compromising on fun. By prioritizing essential elements, we can create enjoyable environments that foster good times for all attendees.

Setting Financial Limits

Setting financial limits clarifies spending boundaries and promotes responsible planning. We should determine total funds available for the event, then break down that amount into categories like venue, refreshments, and activities. For instance, allocating 40% for food, 30% for decorations, and 30% for entertainment drives effective decision-making. Knowing these limits enables us to explore options within each category and prioritize high-impact areas. Creating a contingency fund of at least 10% for unexpected expenses ensures we remain on track financially. By establishing these financial parameters, we can enjoy our college events without worrying about exceeding our budgets.

Creative Theme Ideas

Incorporating creative themes can elevate our college events while staying within budget. Let’s explore popular themes and DIY decoration tips that make our parties memorable without overspending.

Popular Themes for College Events

1. Retro Night: Encourage guests to wear outfits from their favorite decades. Use thrift store finds for an authentic atmosphere.
2. Movies Under the Stars: Set up a projector for outdoor film screenings. Create a cozy space with blankets and cheap snacks.
3. Masquerade Ball: Supply masks or encourage attendees to craft their own. Keep the decor elegant yet simple with string lights and candles.
4. Tropical Luau: Use palm leaves and bright colors in decorations. Have guests bring their own leis, reducing rental costs.
5. Around the World: Each table can represent a different country. Simple cuisine can reflect diverse cultures through potlucks.

DIY Decoration Tips

1. Repurpose Materials: Use old furniture and fabrics to create unique decor pieces. Invest time instead of money to transform items.
2. Nature-Inspired Decor: Collect leaves, flowers, or branches for centerpieces. Seasonal items are often free and add natural beauty.
3. DIY Banners and Signage: Craft personalized banners using paper and string. This adds a welcoming touch at minimal cost.
4. Upcycled Jars: Turn empty jars into candle holders or vases. Decorating with paint or twine provides a rustic feel.
5. Light It Up: String lights or fairy lights can transform any room. Purchase them in bulk for a cost-effective option.

These ideas help us engage creatively while keeping our party planning budget-friendly.

Affordable Venue Options

Finding the right venue significantly affects our party’s budget. We can explore various options that cater to our needs without overspending.

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

On-campus venues often offer lower rental fees, especially when utilized for college events. Students may access common areas, auditoriums, or outdoor spaces for little to no cost. We can check with student affairs or event planning offices for available options. Off-campus venues can provide more atmosphere or amenities but often come with higher costs. We can search for local community centers, parks, or less popular restaurants that may offer good deals. Comparing these options allows us to make informed decisions that suit our budget and preferences.

Outdoor Spaces for Celebrations

Outdoor spaces can be ideal for budget-friendly events. Parks, gardens, or university lawns often provide vast areas for gatherings. Many parks allow reservations at a minimal fee or even for free, requiring only a permit. We can enhance these spaces with simple decorations using items such as picnic tables and string lights to create an inviting environment. Additionally, outdoor venues often allow for easy potlucks, reducing catering costs. Check local regulations to ensure compliance with any food or noise restrictions, ensuring a smooth celebration.

Cost-Effective Catering Solutions

Budget-friendly catering plays a crucial role in planning college events. We can explore various options, from snacks and drinks to potluck gatherings.

Easy Snack and Drink Ideas

We can keep snack options simple yet delicious. Choose finger foods like popcorn, chips, and veggie trays to minimize preparation time. Serve refreshing beverages, such as infused water or homemade lemonade, as cost-effective alternatives to sugary sodas. Purchase snacks in bulk to benefit from lower prices, and consider themed snack stations to enhance the event’s atmosphere without overspending. By being creative, we can satisfy cravings and keep our guests happy.

Potluck Party Suggestions

Potluck parties offer a perfect way to share food and expenses. We can invite guests to bring their favorite dish, creating a diverse menu that caters to different tastes. To ensure variety, we can suggest categories for contributions, such as appetizers, mains, and desserts. Encourage participants to label dishes and ingredients to accommodate dietary preferences. This approach fosters a sense of community while significantly reducing catering costs, making it an ideal solution for our college events.

Entertainment Without the Expense

We can create engaging entertainment options without overspending. Consider a mix of activities that keep participants entertained and involved, all while staying within our budget.

Budget-Friendly Activities

Utilizing common resources fosters creativity. Game nights featuring board games or trivia can engage participants with minimal cost. Organizing a DIY karaoke contest encourages fun and interaction. Hosting outdoor games, such as frisbee or capture the flag, brings energy to the event and requires little financial investment. Additionally, movie nights with attendees voting on films bring an enjoyable atmosphere to gatherings. Our creative activities can boost attendance and ensure memorable experiences without breaking the bank.

Finding Local Talent

We can tap into our campus community to find talented individuals eager to showcase their skills. Reaching out to student musicians or performers decreases entertainment costs significantly. Organizing open mic nights provides aspiring talent with a platform while offering us live entertainment. Collaboration with local performance groups may also yield budget-friendly options. Connecting with student organizations can uncover performers willing to participate for little or no cost, enhancing our event experience and supporting our peers. For more insights on cost-effective event planning, check out resources from Eventbrite.

The post Master Budget-Friendly Party Planning for Memorable College Events: Smart Tips & Ideas appeared first on Daily Emerald.

Just weeks before Colorado State football is set to play its season opener Aug. 30 against Washington, defensive line coach Chuka Ndulue is set to return and coach for the Los Angeles Chargers — according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel — after playing with the team from 2015-16. 

The news comes just one day after the Chargers — the first NFL team to begin training camp this year — opened camp.

Despite being with the Rams for just one season, Ndulue has had a decorated coaching career after spending three years playing in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and the Chargers.

He began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant for his alma mater, Oklahoma, and most notably coached at Southern Illinois and then New Mexico State. In his final year with the Aggies, they achieved a program record of 10 wins in a season; NMSU dropped to just three wins the following year. 

Then, in his most recent season with CSU, the Rams went on a five-game win streak during the conference portion of the season, ending 8-5.

But with CSU’s season opening soon, the timing of Ndulue’s shake-up puts added strain on a program already working to rebuild its defensive identity, especially as the Rams are going into their final year with the Mountain West, looking to prove themselves before transitioning to the Pac-12. 

With just a little over a month until kickoff, head coach Jay Norvell has the clock ticking to find a replacement for Ndulue. 

Reach Sophie Webb at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter @sophgwebb.

The post Breaking: CSU football defensive line coach set to join Los Angeles Chargers appeared first on The Rocky Mountain Collegian.

Jenna Kerkman joins Florida’s AC Fitzpatrick, Auburn’s Mary Katherine Malone and Duke’s Moorea Mitchell to perform the national anthem at the Final Four on April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. | Courtesy of NCAA Athletics

Senior Jenna Kerkman gave up singing to focus on swimming in high school, never expecting that her life as a student-athlete would bring her music career back to the surface.

The peak of that unexpected revival came at the 2025 Men’s Final Four, when Kerkman joined three other student-athletes, each with their own unique sports journey and shared passion for music, to perform together.

Every year, the NCAA invites one representative from each of the four participating schools to come together to sing the national anthem as a group before the semifinal games. This performance celebrates not only athletic excellence but also the diverse talents of student-athletes beyond their sport.

As Kerkman stepped up to the microphone in front of nearly 70,000 fans at the Alamodome, she wasn’t just a swimmer in competition; she was an artist with a gift to share.

“I strive to be a multifaceted person,” Kerkman said. “I try not to be too much of one thing and develop myself outside of athletics. So I was just happy to have such an opportunity. It shows that, at least in some respects, the NCAA does care about you being more than an athlete.”

This past season, Kerkman helped the 200-meter relay team place fourth at the Big 12 Championships, but the Prosper, Texas, native continues to prioritize being more than just a swimmer.

Despite spending countless hours between practice and meets, the English major with a concentration in creative writing earned a spot on the Academic All-Big 12 Team, which recognizes athletes who maintain at least a 3.20 GPA either cumulatively or over the previous two semesters.

She was also honored with the 2025 Spirit Award at the Cougar Choice Awards for her support of other teams and her passion for the school and program.

Even with a demanding schedule, Kerkman continues to find time to prioritize an old passion.

During her junior year of high school, she taught herself guitar and rediscovered her love for music, which she hadn’t pursued since her middle school choir. By the time she arrived at college, she had learned several pieces. Her roommates became her first audience, encouraging her to share her talent with the wider campus community, a challenge she eagerly accepted.

Kerkman began sharing original songs on social media and performing at open mic events, gradually building confidence in her musical abilities.

Her anthem journey started on the pool deck, where she sang before swim meets, before expanding to larger stages, including a Houston Dash match and regular performances at men’s basketball games.

In 2024, she had extra motivation to root for a deep tournament run from the men’s team. She was set to sing the national anthem if the Cougars reached the Final Four, but the team fell in the Sweet 16, delaying her shot at the spotlight.

Still, the hope lingered. And in 2025, she finally got her moment on the biggest stage.

The day before the game, Kerkman joined Duke hammer thrower Moorea Mitchell, Florida volleyball player AC Fitzpatrick and Auburn distance runner Mary Katherine Malone for production rehearsals. Though all four athletes were familiar with the music, the collaborative element pushed Kerkman out of her comfort zone.

“I felt more nervous when we were learning it because I just wanted to make sure that I was getting it right,” Kerkman said. “I was on the harmony part, so it was a little different than what I would normally sing.”

Despite her nerves, Kerkman, who had sung the anthem solo many times before, found comfort in sharing the Alamodome court. 

“It was so surreal,” she said. “But I had three other girls with me, so it didn’t feel like the same amount of pressure as singing by myself.”

For Kerkman, who is still exploring career options after graduation, the experience showed her that there is space for creativity in athletics.

“It definitely opened my eyes to how much goes into it,” Kerkman said. “It’s not just an athletic performance. It’s a show for everyone. Being able to work with people behind the scenes and see what goes on in these big sporting events is awesome. I love to see it.”

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston swimmer Jenna Kerkman’s anthem proves she’s more than an athlete” was originally posted on The Cougar