Moving to the beat of a mirthful drum

While the theme of Wednesday's Mirthday was "Under the Sea," more than 50 student organizations held activites under the sun. University Program Board sponsored the annual celebration. Many students and members of the community turned out to attend the event and show their support for UM-St. Louis.

"The Mirthday event was a great way for the students to see all of the active student organizations and remember that we aren't just here for classes, we're here for the whole college experience," said GraceMarie Ritter, newly elected Student Government Association president.

"[Our goal for Mirthday is] welcoming students into the spring with a day of happiness," said Themon Ryan Jr., executive chair for UPB.

The celebration showcased around 50 booths, sponsored by a variety of student organizations, from the Catholic Newman Center, to Students Today Alumni Tomorrow, to the Residential Housing Association. The activities ranged from riding the carnival rides or grabbing a snow cone to visiting the dunking booth or signing up to decorate a recycling bin.

The theme for Mirthday 2008 was "Under the Sea," meant to celebrate the new mascot. However, the underexposure of the theme left some students confused.

"I had no idea what the theme was supposed to stand for," said Joshua McCormack, freshman, political science, "but I had a good time."

Throughout the day, many entertainers, such as Roosevelt Marching Band, Gangsta Gritz, Ultraviolents and the Encore Dance Team were present on the lawn for students to enjoy.

After a full day of fun in the sun, students were invited to make the trek over to the Touhill Performing Arts Center for a concert featuring Tyga, Kidz in the Hall, I am Avalanche and Gym Class Heroes.

Students could receive up to two free tickets simply by presenting their student ID at the Office of Student Life or at the Touhill, and admission was $15 for non-students.

UPB originally booked Lupe Fiasco, an up-and-coming hip-hop artists with such hits as "Superstar" and "Daydreaming," "but Kayne West's Glow in the Dark tour interfered," Ryan said.

Ryan also said that his favorite improvement for this year's Mirthday celebration was the quality of entertainment.

"I was kind of surprised that they were able to book such a well known group," said McCormack said, but with a budget of "around $100,000" for this event, much more is possible than most students think.

UPB will not be sparing any money for the 2009 Mirthday event either. "[Our goal is] to make it bigger and better each year," Ryan said.

And for those who had a great time at Mirthday this year, mark the calendars in advance for next year. "This year's Mirthday was a very successful event, and I hope it continues to get better and better every year," Ritter said.