John Cerrotti ’17, Staff Writer
We have all seen the posters across campus and seen the emails, but what exactly is Merrimack Pride Day and who is sponsoring it? Every first Friday of the month, the Student Government Association sponsors Merrimack Pride Days, a new movement encouraging students, faculty, and staff to wear their Merrimack gear and show their love and support of our community. For the fall semester, SGA is offering a $25 gift card to one person who participated in the tradition. For all those who participate, Tweet a picture of yourself in your Merrimack apparel to @MerrimackSGA, which enters you in the raffle. This program was designed to start a new tradition within the school to show off what Merrimack is all about.
The idea originated from the Dean of Campus Life Donna Swartwout and was a suggestion made to the SGA campus life committee as a way to show pride for both the school and community that we all love. Campus Life committee chair Lauren Folino, stated, “When Donna told me about the idea, I loved it! It is a great way for our school to come together as one and represent the school we all love. I am hoping that we will eventually have 100% participation!” By wearing Merrimack colors, students, faculty, and staff members are showing their love and support for the place they consider their “home away from home.” At the Student Activities Fair last week, the Student Government Association handed out T-shirts designed especially for this cause. These T-shirts were given out to all and are encouraged to wear on Merrimack Pride Days. Although it would be ideal to see everyone wearing the same shirt, any Merrimack apparel would be great. For the fall semester, SGA is offering a $25 gift card to one person who participated in the tradition. For all those who participate, tweet a picture of yourself in your Merrimack apparel to @MerrimackSGA, which enters you in the raffle.
From what we can see, the first Merrimack Pride Day was very successful. Senior Mary Izzo stated, “I really enjoyed seeing everyone wearing the same shirt and showing pride for the school that we all call home. It is comforting to know that there is so much pride for Merrimack.” These same ideas were heard across campus coming from both students and faculty members. The program seemed to be a complete success. Sophomore Dalton Lavoie stated, “Merrimack is a place that we should all want to show off and be proud of. And this is the exact way to do it.”
If you need any more information regarding Merrimack Pride Days, feel free to contact any members of the Student Government Association. Also, be sure to check your emails regarding exciting news and giveaways for each pride day. If anyone is looking for a shirt, feel free to contact your SGA representative or keep your eye out at events throughout the year.
