The Office of Recreation, Involvement, and Student Engagement (R.I.S.E.)
EventsCardinal Kickoff
Cardinal Kickoff features activities for new students and transfers to start their transition to campus life. The week features move-in for these students, interest sessions, time for a class photo, and a variety of social events, which in the past have included a bonfire, dance party, mixer, and more.
The Blue Angel music variety show is one of the longest-running traditions at the university. Each November the event is sponsored and run by the campus men’s music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Eta Nu chapter). Students audition to
Cardinal Fest
Cardinal Fest is a fun-filled event that celebrate the entire Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota community that launched in 2017 that is sure to become a late-fall tradition. The high-spirited fun, games, prizes, and lunch in the Gostomski Fieldhouse draw hundreds of people to the event. Cardinal Fest is a time that brings people together and helps them unwind before the sprint to final exams after Thanksgiving.
Saint Mary’s Snow Daze
Snow Daze is an amazing welcome back week for students following winter break. The week is filled with fun events for the Saint Mary’s community to promote school spirit and Cardinal Pride. Past Cardinal Bash events have included Bingo, Dive-In Movie at the pool, Escape Room Night, a Super Smash Brothers Tournament, a Comedy Night, Trivia, and musical performances!
Multicultural Week
The spirit and events of Multicultural Week are part of the work going on to create a vibrant campus and transformation residential experience at the university. Activities promote awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusivity in all its forms, providing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff members to learn more about each other and expand worldviews. Past events have included comedians, speakers, movies, a variety show, and an international food fest
Multicultural Week is a joint effort between the Office of Student Activities, the Solidarity Council, and the International Center.
Multicultural Week 2020 will kick off
Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance
The Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance has been a spring tradition at Saint Mary’s for nearly 20 years. Each year a dance, featuring a live band, is held in Saint Mary’s gymnasium. Proceeds from the dance and accompanying auction are given to a community member in need.
The benefit dance was started in 2001 by students in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of Saint Mary’s staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond. The dance ensures that Taylor’s memory lives on at Saint Mary’s.
Plaza Palooza
Farewell Fest is a time for all faculty, staff, students, and their families to attend a day-long event in celebration of the last day of classes for the spring semester at Saint Mary’s. Events that have been held during Farewell Fest include lunch and dinner in the plaza, giant inflatables, massage chairs, giveaways, musical and comedy performances, lawn game tournaments, and more!
Senior Week
Senior Week is the last hurrah for our senior class before they walk at graduation. Spanning the last day of finals to the day of graduation, Senior Week is filled with events organized by the Senior Class officers to give their classmates a proper send off. In the past Senior Class’ have organized trips to various venues in La Crosse, a winery tour, cookouts, and fun on-campus events.