Colgate community forms halftime bicentennial C
Successful collaboration among campus groups highlights big weekend
Colgate University and the Department of Athletics is sending thanks to the more than 1,100 students, alumni and community members who came together to form a C during halftime of Saturday’s football game on Crown Field at Andy Kerr Stadium.
The C helped highlight the Homecoming and Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration that took place throughout campus over the weekend.
“It was really thrilling to see this thing come together,” said Dr. Nicki Moore, Colgate Vice President and Director of Athletics. “When we started with this idea about a month ago, we had faculty members Ken Belanger, Will Cippoli and April Sweeny pitch in who helped us shape the logistics of the effort. Then, we had campus groups – the Links and the Commons, namely – who added their enthusiasm and commitment to participate.
“Before you know it, we had momentum.”
The C took shape over a span of seven minutes from start to finish as the outline was formed on the field by members of Colgate’s women’s hockey and men’s basketball teams, and then filled in by the Colgate community.
Several athletic teams, student groups, alumni organizations and more took part in the event.
Engaging and Inclusive
The idea for forming the C at halftime was born out of a collaboration among the Department of Athletics, Office of Alumni Relations and Office of Special Events to find an activity for halftime that would engage and be inclusive of the Colgate community that would be attending the game and taking part in the Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration.
“I don’t think this kind of thing has been done before – in a live game situation and in such a short period of time,” Moore said. “Knowing how passionate and friendly all the Colgate people I’ve met have been, I was optimistic that everyone would follow our guidance and clear the field in time.”
Moore said the result exceeded everyone’s expectations.
“When it all came together just as we imagined, and when we heard that people had fun with it and felt good about being a part of the show, it really added to what was an incredibly successful Bicentennial weekend.
“Kudos really go to President Casey for developing the vision for the kickoff events, and thanks to Mari Assaid, Laura Jack and members of our teams like Yariv Amir and Nathalie Carter, who specifically spearheaded the on-field C.”
As for the game, Colgate blanked Lafayette 45-0 to improve to 3-0 on the season.