On Mar. 23, Michigan Tech’s climbing club, the Ridge Roamers, held their spring climbing competition on the climbing wall in the multipurpose room of the SDC. The competition started at 9 a.m. with participants attempting the routes until 3 p.m. on the same day. The field had been divided into four divisions for both men and women depending on the climber’s skill level (beginner, novice, intermediate, and advanced). Scoring was determined by how far the climber had advanced along the route, with each hold counting as one point. The climber with the most points accumulated across three routes and two attempts at each route won their division. Winners from each division were announced shortly after the event wrapped up, with the winners getting to choose from an assortment of climbing gear prizes.

When asked what the climbing competition meant to him, former Vice President of the club, Thomas Draper, said, “The climbing competition is always a good time of the year. Everyone gets to come here and try their hardest at a sport that they love. There’s always friendly competition, you know, we have different difficulty categories so even the people that are climbing, say, easier routes are still having a great time because they are trying their hardest.” The competition was open to all participants. Draper said, “It’s something that we started a couple of years ago, opening it up to some of the more youth divisions. And obviously, if you look around you can see all the kids are having a blast, so yeah, it’s open to anyone who wants to come and try their hardest.” 

The Michigan Tech climbing wall is managed through the cooperation of both the Ridge Roamers club and the Outdoor Adventure Program. The climbing wall is located in the SDC’s multipurpose room. It consists of both a high-wall and a bouldering section, with routes spanning a wide range of difficulties for all to enjoy.The club hosts open climbs in the SDC multipurpose room Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. with rental gear available for anyone interested in getting started. For more information on the Ridge Roamers check out their Instagram page @mtu_ridgeroamers.

On Mar. 25, the Celebration of Holi, Festival of Colors transformed the Michigan Technological University campus into a kaleidoscope of joy and cultural exploration. Organized by the Indian Student Association (ISA), the event was a resounding success, drawing in students, faculty, and community members for a celebration that transcended borders and embraced diversity.

The festivities kicked off at the MUB Ballroom with a vibrant lunch spread. Unlike the usual fare, this year’s food was something special. Curated by the ISA, the buffet presented a delectable tapestry of flavors from across India. From the creamy curries of the South to the aromatic tandoori specialties of the North, each dish was a meticulously chosen representation of a specific region’s culinary tradition. As attendees savored the diverse flavors, conversations flowed, fostering a sense of cultural exchange and appreciation.

This culinary journey was followed by a captivating musical performance by Saaz, an Indian music group hailing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their repertoire encompassed a wide range, embracing the richness of classical, folk, and contemporary Indian music. The melodious strains of the viola and guitar, fused with the rhythmic beats of the tabla, cajun, and piano transported the audience to a world steeped in cultural heritage. Saaz’s performance wasn’t just a spectacle; it was a celebration of cultural and musical diversity, showcasing the boundless creativity that defines Indian music.

ISA’s Holi celebration extended beyond the MUB Ballroom walls. In a truly groundbreaking move, they staged the first-ever flash mob on the MTU campus. On Mar. 23, students  in the Van Pelt and Opie Library experienced an electrifying dance performance. Students were suddenly dazzled by a display of eclectic dance moves. This surprise flash mob served as a playful prelude to the main event, reminding everyone that learning shouldn’t be confined to textbooks and can extend to embracing vibrant cultural expressions.

As the music performance at the MUB Ballroom concluded, the afternoon transitioned into an evening celebration. Despite the snowfall, students emerged from their dorms, ready to embrace the spirit of Holi. The final celebration saw the MTU campus transformed into a canvas of bright colors. Laughter filled the air as participants, clad in white attire, playfully smeared colored powder on each other. This act symbolized not just the triumph of good over evil, as traditionally celebrated during Holi, but also the start of new beginnings and a chance to forge stronger bonds within the MTU community.

The ISA Holi celebration transcended the stereotypical notion of a cultural event. It was a beautiful tapestry woven with delectable food, mesmerizing music, and a dash of playful surprise. More importantly, it served as a platform for cultural exchange and a celebration of diversity. ISA’s efforts successfully painted the MTU campus with the vibrant colors of spring, reminding everyone that joy and connection can be found in the most unexpected places– even amidst stacks of library books! The 2024 ISA Holi celebration set a high bar, proving that spring is indeed best welcomed with a riot of colors, melodies, and the spirit of togetherness.

Spring break is coming up very soon, and earlier than previous semesters. This year, spring break begins Friday, Feb. 23, with classes resuming on Monday, Mar. 4. While many students will be off campus, some will be staying over break. Students that are living in the residence halls have some things to do before break starts, and should be aware of limited services if staying. 

If you live in the residence halls and are leaving, you must walk through the “Spring Break Departure Checklist” found on the MTU housing services website provided below. This checklist ensures that you clean up your dorm and shared kitchenette, close and lock your windows, as well as other details. This helps the maintenance staff when they are addressing issues in each room on Saturday, Feb. 24. Make sure to go over the checklist before you leave. 

If you are taking the USG Break Bus, you should be aware of the following. According to an announcement from Cole Pierucki, USG Events Committee Chair and Break Bus Coordinator, “If you purchase a ticket, it is YOUR responsibility to complete our liability release google form…Students who do not complete the waiver cannot board the bus!” Ticket purchases have since closed, but if you have purchased a ticket, release forms are due on Wednesday, Feb. 21 by 5 p.m. This will have been emailed to your student gmail account. As a reminder, buses will be departing on Feb. 24 at 8 a.m., and returning on Mar. 3 at 8 a.m. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to usg@mtu.edu. 

For students who are staying on campus over break, especially those in the residence halls, there are some service changes during spring break you should know. Most importantly, if you are staying you must sign a “Request To Stay for Break” form by Wednesday, Feb. 21 on the MTU housing services website provided below. Dining services will be limited, so be sure to check the provided website for details on your hall and more. Parking will also be restricted over break, as all vehicles must be moved to Lot 26A by Sunday, Feb. 25 at 10 p.m. If you need regular access to your vehicle, you can contact the Transportation Services Office for other options. 

For more information on the USG Break Bus, visit www.usgatmtu.mtu.edu/break-bus. For more information on services over break, visit mtu.edu/housing/education/break/spring/. If you have any further questions, you can also contact Residence Education and Housing Services at 906-487-2682 or email housing@mtu.edu