Written for The Argo by Esmeralda Rivera

On Thursday, October 27^th, 2022, the Alcohol and Drug Peer Educators at the Wellness Center hosted their annual “biggest Halloween party on campus,” also known as “Lolla No Booza.” The party took place in the Event Room at the Campus Center. The purpose was to prove to the student body that any party could be fun and memorable without drugs or alcohol.

The party hosted a large number of attendees, who enjoyed a variety of food, games, prizes, and music. Most of the students showed up in costumes, including creative costumes like Maleficent and Catwoman. On the dance floor, many dance contests were held, including a “Monster Mash Freeze Game,” in which the DJ would intermittently play and mute songs so the students would dance, then freeze. Whoever won would get a Bluetooth speaker as a prize. The DJ chose many nostalgic songs from the early 2000s and 2010s, such as the Cha-Cha Slide by DJ Casper, Danza Kuduro by Don Omar, and A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton, among others.

Other games were put up around the Campus Center, such as escape rooms and a Mario Kart tournament. They also included a Drunk Goggles game, where students would put on a pair of disorienting goggles and attempt to walk along a twisted sidewalk. If they were successful, they would receive a ticket to try and win the various prizes set up on tables at the end of the room. The prizes included a laundry basket of food, a pack of cleaning supplies, a pack of sweet treats, and a Movie Night Marathon, among others. The Key Club also set up a table for students to make bead necklaces for donation.

Michael Levin, an Addiction Counselor at the Wellness Center, was satisfied with the party’s result. “Tonight, this Thursday before Halloween, is traditionally the largest drinking night for students on college campuses across the country. So, we throw an annual party that’s a sober party— that’s why we call it ‘Lolla No Booza’,” said Levin. He expressed how happy everyone was with the turnout, considering they had not been able to host the annual celebration since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many in attendance were happy with the party, having enjoyed their night at the Campus Center. Kiana Skyers, a third-year Psychology major, particularly enjoyed the music, food, and dancing. “The DJ played really great songs, and the food was really good,” said Skyers. Autumn McGaster, a third-year Creative Writing major, agreed with Kiana on the DJ’s skills, stating “I really liked the DJ, and the party’s lit!”

The Wellness Center office and clinic are located in West Quad, Room 108. The Counseling Center is located in Room J-204.