Students will unite to celebrate the success of their campus organizations during
the 2013 UMOJA Orange Crush Awards Show, hosted by the Pan-African Student
Organization and Residence Hall Association, on April 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Social
Hall.
The first-time event aims to unite all student organizations in a fun-filled award
ceremony, complete with performances and tributes to those who have impacted
higher education. It is free for all, and guests are encouraged to wear formal attire.
Those who are unable to attend can catch the show on BSC-TV Channel 3 as well.
PASO secretary Ezekiel Samuel, who coordinated the event, said it is set to make
history and is something students won’t want to miss.
“It’s important because it the first time in Buffalo State history that every
organization on campus will be recognized together,” he said, adding that the event
is similar to award ceremonies often seen on TV.
“The show is a mimic of the BET Awards,” he said. “It will be a whole night of
entertainment.”
The show will feature over 20 awards, broken up into categories including Resident
Life, Greeks, Student Organizations and the Athletic Department (based on
statistics).
Actual awards include the People’s Choice Award, which students can vote for on
Bengal Connect now through April 12, and the 2013 UMOJA Orange Crush Award,
which Samuel calls “the take-home award… like getting a Grammy.” This goes to the
people who represent UMOJA, or unity.
PASO Cultural Heritage chair Nayaa Boakye said the ceremony will highlight
those who make a difference and show just how much they’re organizations are
appreciated.
“We’re giving back to show that we appreciate them,” she said. “It’s going to be fun,
educational and rewarding. There’s a lot of positive energy surrounding it.”
Set to perform alongside fellow e-board members that night, Boakye said her
experience working on this event has been beyond interesting.
“It’s been a rewarding experience by far,”she said.
Boakye’s performance will be one of many to take place throughout the night. Other
performers include Step Expression, African American Student Organizations and
PASO’s Afrique Dancers.
Boakye said holding the award show plays a huge part in their mission.
“Our mission is huge. We’re just trying to spread African culture and knowledge.
We’re multicultural,” she said.
Also included in the night of celebration is a Red Carpet Event in the Fireside Lounge
at 5:45 p.m. This will give students an opportunity to meet USG members, nominees
and the department heads who will walk the red carpet. It also includes a cocktail
hour catered by Chartwells.
PASO president Ebenezer Baawuah hopes to have between 200 and 300 attendees.
“If it turns out to be great, we’re going to make it an annual event,” he said.
Ebony Linzy can be reached by email at linzy.record@live.com.