Marian University students kicked off the spring semester Wednesday, Jan. 7, by lacing up their skates for an indoor ice-skating event held from 5 to 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall.
The space, typically used for studying and dining, was transformed into a winter-themed gathering spot featuring ice skating, crafts, a photo wall, and hot chocolate and cookies provided by Starbucks. Marian University hired A-1 for Fun to install a temporary ice rink made of synthetic ice tiles, which fit together like puzzle pieces and allowed the rink to be assembled indoors.
(Stella Kolb)
In addition to skating, students could create their own snow globes or felt snowmen at a nearby craft table. Music from the Disney film Frozen played throughout the evening, adding to the seasonal atmosphere.
Senior Benjamin Moster said the event helped capture the winter spirit despite the unseasonably warm weather.
“It brings out the Christmas spirit — no matter how warm it is,” Moster said, referencing the nearly 60-degree temperature, a rarity for Indiana in January.
Sophomore Destiny Diciucciu said the Marian ice-skating experience exceeded her expectations compared with a previous outing.
“Today was way better than ice skating before,” Diciucciu said. “It didn’t make me cry for 30 minutes like it did last time.”
Students spent the evening skating, crafting, and socializing as they eased back into campus life after winter break. The ice-skating event offered a festive and welcoming way for students to reconnect and celebrate the start of a new semester.
