SPC Hosts “Glow in the Dark Painting Event” Promoting Nightlife Activities on Campus

Students wait in line for paints and palletes at SPC Glow in the Dark Painting Night. Photo by Brandan Beatrice '28

On the evening of Sept. 9, the Student Programming Council (SPC) hosted a Glow in the Dark Painting event, where attending Marist University students had the opportunity to socialize and express their creativity in a neon fashion.

SPC prepared palettes of paints and small canvases, as a special glow-in-the-dark paint was provided to create the signature glowing look. Students started arriving early, signaling high enthusiasm for the event, as paints were handed out and students began working on their creations.

With the lights dimmed and soft music playing in the River Rooms, students were able to get to know one another while completing arts and crafts, all at the same time. 

“My friend actually heard about [the event] on the Instagram page,” said Khmari Harden ‘29. “They asked, ‘Do you wanna go?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, it sounds fire, I’d love to go paint.’”

Students left with a good time, maybe a new friend and their own artwork to display.

This is a busy time for SPC, as they have already hosted over half a dozen events since the start of the semester. Welcome Week featured performances by comedian Michael Longfellow and magician Derek Hughes, as well as a block party, prize bingo and an ice cream social. These events help Marist students–most especially freshmen–get accustomed to social life on campus, allowing them to form new connections early on in the semester.

Though recent Welcome Week events are geared primarily toward new freshmen seeking socialization opportunities, unless otherwise specified, SPC programs are open to all seeking the chance to meet new people and express their interests. Upcoming events include PJ Bingo and the “Mamma Mia” Broadway trip. 

SPC also provides students with the chance to voice what they would like to see from on-campus activities. Though the council itself is responsible for confirming and planning the final programs, feedback from event-goers is integral to ensuring a positive experience for all.

SPC Co-Events Chair Lina Tornese ‘26 explained how general members of the club and beyond add input to the events run.

“It’s not just us as the board, like the people who come to our events and sometimes help us set up… they help us with suggestions and these kinds of events too,” Tornese said. “One of our suggestions was that people really liked crafts.”

Through SPC’s commitment to providing the community with inviting and engaging experiences on campus, students are given opportunities to go out without necessarily “going out.”

According to Tornese, the SPC is responsible for nearly 75% of “campus nightlife” activities. She noted SPC’s dedication to cultivating a secure environment for students to relax and mingle.

“We run these events, so we know students are safe having a good time,” Tornese said. “You don’t really have to go out to the bar to have a good time in college.”