CEN’s Spring Week: Students Can Unwind with Roger’s Beach Bash

BRISTOL, R.I. – Wanting students to rest and relax at the end of a busy semester, the student-led Campus Entertainment Network has planned Roger’s Beach Bash, a beach-themed Spring Week, running today through April 30.

Highlights of the annual Spring Week, which takes place each April, include a Spring Concert, Block Party, Quad Fest, and a fireworks display.

“What’s better than a tropical beach vibe for Spring Week?” said Nick Marsili, one of CEN’s Traditions co-chairs and a first-year student from Bristol, R.I. “I’m excited about wearing tropical shirts every day.”

Compared to last year, in which some events were in person and others virtual or scaled back because of the pandemic, this year’s Spring Week will include more fully in-person events, said Emily Williams, the other CEN Traditions co-chair and a sophomore from Sandwich, Mass. “Last year’s concert was virtual. (This year’s) Block Party will be bigger,” she said. “We haven’t seen anything like this since before COVID.”

After having to keep the lineup a secret while planning, Williams said she’s most excited for the Spring Concert with headliner Bryce Vine. Marsili, a Construction Management major and Business minor, said he’s most looking forward to the Block Party on Saturday. 

“We’re really looking forward to it. We’re hoping to have a lot of good activities for the end of the semester,” said Williams. Spring Week will be a way for students to be outside and enjoy the warmer spring weather, she added. “We’re hoping people are excited about that as well.”

Student Involvement, Welcoming Environment Are Top Priorities

CEN, which was founded in 1991, is a student-run organization that creates and plans entertainment events for students at RWU. In addition to an executive board, CEN has four committees: Traditions, Where’s The Fun?, Outreach, and Arts & Culture.

There are 13 student leaders between the e-board and committees, and anyone is welcome to attend weekly meetings, said Williams, an Architecture major who’s minoring in both Photography and Digital Media.

As Traditions co-chairs, Marsili and Williams are responsible for the theme, decorations, and promotional items for Spring Week as well as planning the Spring Concert, Quad Fest, Block Party and fireworks display.

CEN’s mission is to get students more involved on campus and create a friendly environment for everyone, Marsili said, adding that Spring Week planning began in October. “I want everyone to see what CEN can do for student involvement and how beneficial we are to campus in general,” he said.

In March, CEN hosted its annual March Meltdown, another week of events, with the theme of Fire and Ice. The week included glow-in-the-dark mini golf, a comedy magician, a coffeehouse-style event, and more. “Our events were pretty popular,” Marsili said. “Everyone seemed to like the theme. It was really successful.”

Williams said that while their events are well-attended, they tend to see the same students. “We’re trying to reach out to different student populations,” she said. “I like to see how we can get more students involved on campus and coming to events.”

As a first-year student, Marsili said he enjoys being involved in CEN. “It feels good when you see events happen (and see) all your work pay off.”

This year’s Spring Week schedule includes:

Monday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Commons Quad: Makin’ Waves

Bungee trampolines, a rock-climbing wall, and a mechanical shark ride are a few of the activities offered during the first event of Spring Week. Clementine’s Ice Cream will be serving sweet treats.

Tuesday, 8 p.m., GHH Atrium: Karaoke Beach Lounge

Join CEN for a karaoke night, co-sponsored by the Barbershop Club. Show off your singing skills, and enjoy sushi and mocktails. 

Wednesday, 8 p.m., GHH Lawn: Roger’s Tropical Escape

This beach party features DJ Mark the Shark, Kona Ice, snacks, drinks, and door prizes.

Thursday, 8 p.m., Campus Recreation Center: Spring Concert

Social House and Olivia Knox open for headliner Bryce Vine during CEN’s Spring Concert. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. 

Friday, 2-5 p.m., Commons Quad: Quad Fest

Party with a mechanical surfboard, games including Human Billiards and Connect 4, and grab a bite to eat from food trucks including Black Dog Donuts and Island Time Food Cart during Quad Fest.

8 p.m., Campus Recreation Center: Final Comedian

Comedian Chris Redd, of “Saturday Night Live” fame, will perform Friday at 8 p.m.

Saturday, 2-6 p.m., North Campus Parking Lot: Block Party

CEN’s famous carnival-style Block Party kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday with classic carnival rides, bumper cars, games, student performers, snacks such as fried dough and cotton candy, and food trucks including Spike’s Junkyard Dogs, Twisted T’s, and Del’s Lemonade.

8 p.m., GHH Lawn: Fireworks

Spring Week comes to a close with a fireworks display. Bring your blanket to the GHH Lawn to watch the show and enjoy Palagi Brothers ice cream. 

Spring Week 2022