Finals Finish helps students 'hang on' during exams
April 18, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Members of the campus and Kalamazoo communities will help students "hang on" during finals week by volunteering at the sixth Finals Finish from 7 to 11 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, April 22 and 23, at the Student Recreation Center.
The event, now in its sixth year, allows students to use the student recreation facility as a late night study and recreation area for the first two days of winter final exams. This year's program, "Soar into Finals Finish," has a hang gliding theme and is being sponsored by the Presidential Spirit Committee along with various University units and employee organizations.
"Finals week can be very stressful for students," says Andrea Johnson, assistant director for student development in University Recreation. "Finals Finish offers an opportunity for students to relax and revive as they prepare for their exams."
The Student Recreation Center will be offering students study rooms, a computer lab and open recreation facilities as well as snacks and massages. New for 2002 will be a presentation by Eccentric Entertainment hypnotist Jim Hoke, whose 9 p.m. presentation April 22 will emphasize preparing for finals. Also partnering with Finals Finish for another year is Waldo Library, which will be open until 3 a.m. on both April 22 and 23.
Last year, more than, 3,000 students participated in Finals Finish, while 68 faculty, staff and administrators volunteered their time and several area businesses donated their products and/or services.
Johnson notes that Finals Finish is a celebrative event that fosters spirit and pride on campus and has become a WMU tradition.
"At the beginning of the academic year, Bronco Bash welcomes students back to campus," Johnson says of the annual street fair held the day before fall classes start. "Finals Finish is our way to show appreciation to students for their hard work throughout the school year and send them off on a good note."
To arrange coverage or an interview, call Andrea Johnson at (269) 387-3763 or Jeanne Baron in the Office of University Relations at (269) 387-8433. Visit the Finals Finish Web site at <www.finalsfinish.wmich.edu> for more information
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 269 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu