October 13, 2010

Students to participate in 'Humans vs. Zombies'

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Beware! Zombies are coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale!

No, it’s not a movie, or even some bizarre Halloween trickery. It is all about fun with fellow students. University Housing’s Residence Hall Association and National Residence Hall Honorary are sponsoring a big game of Humans vs. Zombies along with a kick-off party.

The Blackout Party at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22, in the lower level of Grinnell Hall starts the Halloween-time activities. D.J. Dean will provide musical entertainment for the evening and all sorts of fun events are on tap, including root beer pong. Participants will enjoy other games and educational activities at the alcohol-free event as well.

Then, Humans vs. Zombies begins Oct. 25. Any student who wants to participate in the campus-wide game can do so. Simply sign up by calling 618/536-5504 or e-mailing rha@gmail.com. The registration deadline is Saturday, Oct. 16, and the participant list is already quite long.

Organizers will divide participants into two teams: the zombies and the humans, of course. Throughout the week, gamesters will have a series of “missions” or little activities to accomplish. It could be as simple as providing an escort across a bridge on campus. But, there’s a trick to it. “Zombies” will be looking for you and you must accomplish your mission without getting “tagged” by a dastardly sock that will make you become a zombie, too.

The unique orchestrated version of tag, featured online at www.humansvszombies.org and played at colleges and other venues around the world, wraps up on Oct. 30 with a giant zombie movie fest. The free movie festival begins about 4 p.m. in the lower level of Grinnell Hall. All of these activities are free and all SIUC students are welcome.