The Wright State University pumpkin decorating contest allowed students to transform basic pumpkins into seasonal art. The Raj Soin College of Business (RSCOB), in collaboration with Academic Engagement, hosted the event which provided an environment for students to connect, express their creativity and celebrate the fall season. Participants transformed the event hall into an autumn exhibit using ideas ranging from eerie to pop-culture themes.
Creativity in full bloom
Recently, WSU students switched textbooks for canvases during the annual pumpkin decorating contest to transform normal pumpkins into vibrant works of art that embodied the spirit of the season.
The RSCOB hosted the event, which encouraged students to design and decorate pumpkins with markers, stickers, glitters and other craft items given by organizers. The idea was simple, promoting creativity and decreasing stress to bring the WSU community together in a pleasant fall-themed ambience.
Participants worked individually or in small groups to create a variety of pumpkins including terrifying jack-o-lanterns, cartoon figures and those inspired by popular movies and memes. The judges rated the pumpkins based on their creativity, originality and workmanship. Winners were given little prizes, such as a portable speaker, charger and a WSU water bottle. However, for many students, the biggest reward was simply attending the event with friends.
Fall fun and campus connections
Brad Cook is the event director for RSCO, known for his passion and imagination in the role. He likes planning student-centered programs that encourage community participation and stress reduction. His dedication to create a pleasant campus environment has made the pumpkin decorating contest one of WSU's most anticipated fall events.
"Fall can be a stressful time with exams and projects piling up, I wanted to create something lighthearted that would let students unwind, get creative and connect with [each]other outside the classroom," Cook said.
Selvin Bacon Velasquez is a member of the Academic Engagement Team and was instrumental in arranging and coordinating the pumpkin decorating contest. He assisted in event logistics from arranging supplies and decor to ensuring that attendees had everything they needed to bring their creative ideas to life. He wanted to remind everyone that learning and community go hand in hand and events like this make that connection greater.
Velasquez's efforts, together with those of the RSCOB team, contributed to the creation of a welcome and lively environment that enabled students to express themselves while enjoying a well-deserved respite from study.
"The best part is watching students encourage each other, there is always laughter, music and positive energy- it's exactly the kind of environment we want to create," Velasquez said.
Estefania Hernandez Mojica a senior student from the finance department, attended the pumpkin decorating contest to take a creative break from her grueling academics.
Mojica fashioned her pumpkin into a cosmos, painting it in deep pinks and blues and adding small white specks to imitate stars. She loved being able to step away from classes and just focus on something creative. Decorating her pumpkin and seeing what other pupils created was very encouraging.
"Events like this are a reminder that college life isn't just about academics, it's also about building community and making memories with fellow students," Mojica said.
As fall continues on campus, events like the pumpkin decorating remind students that a little creativity and a pumpkin can go a long way in building community and spreading seasonal cheer.
