April 18, 2012

College plans ‘Spring Fling for the Liberal Arts’

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The College of Liberal Arts at Southern Illinois University Carbondale invites the University community to a “Spring Fling for the Liberal Arts.”

The fundraising event benefits college faculty and students, with some funds going toward professional development opportunities. 

The day’s activities begin at 3 p.m. on April 28 at SIU Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center on Giant City Road.  Evening activities begin at 5:30 and are set to conclude at about 7:30 p.m.

Touch of Nature is a 3,100-acre wooded outdoor laboratory and retreat that uses natural beauty as a backdrop setting for professional development retreats, team building seminars, and events like the Spring Fling.

The afternoon activities are free, and include canoeing, guided nature hikes, volleyball or soccer, board games, and more.  All ages are welcome.

Tickets are $50 each, and include dinner and two beverages, including options of beer or local wine.  Half the ticket price is eligible as a tax-deductible donation, and ticket-buyers will receive a receipt for those purposes.

In addition to dinner, the evening features a reception and a silent auction. 

The event is also meant to highlight the liberal arts.  For example, theater students who recently participated in a stage combat seminar will demonstrate the art of stage sword fighting.  There will be at least two small music ensembles.  And geography falls under liberal arts, and geography students and faculty are planning a geo-caching activity.  The activity line-up is still developing.

Those who’d like to support the liberal arts in addition to or instead of attending the spring fling can make a monetary donation through the SIU Foundation; donors of $100 or more will be recognized as sponsors of the event.  In addition, the college is still accepting donations for the silent auction.  Contact the College of Liberal Arts at 618/453-2466 or Amanda Hine at ahine@siu.edu.