During this past spring semester, the Skandalaris Center hosted several events for anyone looking to connect and have fun with fellow WashU community members. From celebrating International Women’s Day to Earth Day, the center provided a safe space for students, faculty, and staff to vocalize their ideas and make lasting connections.

With COVID-19 restrictions loosening on campus, the center was able to host a special event for International Women’s Day on March 8, 2022. This event brought in a sense of union and celebration for women from across the WashU campuses. The first annual Connections and Confections event allowed students, faculty, and staff to socialize and connect over cupcake treats, enjoy conversations and photo booth pictures, and leave with a feeling of support from fellow WashU women and a better understanding of the space the Skandalaris Center provides to the community. The center looks forward to hosting this event next spring.

A new improv event series was added to the Skandalaris Center’s calendar this past semester. With students from a variety of schools in attendance at each event, these  sessions were a low-key, fun way to  practice remaining flexible and making decisions “in the moment” –  a valuable skill for everyone to learn. Using a handful of improv games, attendees explored three main concepts: saying “yes, and…”, overcoming fear, and listening. Laughter and good times were always included in these events.

The center also restarted its unique Make It Take It events to promote relaxing creativity for students, faculty, and staff. These events included making snow globes during the winter, and partnering with the Maker Space at McKelvey School of Engineering to make 3D printed flower pots in celebration of Earth Day 2022. If you weren’t able to be creative with the Skandalaris Center this past semester, don’t worry! This event series will continue in the 2022 fall semester with pumpkin painting and wreath making (is it wreath making or holiday decorations?).

The staff at the Skandalaris Center would like to thank everyone who participated in all the events from the spring 2022 semester, and looks forward to connecting with WashU students, faculty, and staff during the summer and fall. To stay updated with what’s happening, subscribe to our newsletter at Skandalaris.wustl.edu.