The Marian Alliance kicked off finals week with its first-ever destress event on Dec. 8 in the Unity Center at Clare Hall, offering students an evening of music, crafts, snacks, and relaxation ahead of exams.

Marian Alliance president and treasurer Tori Williams said the board wanted to create a space where students could unwind before the stress of finals intensified. “We wanted an environment where people could start finals week with a nice de-stress event featuring music and a hot cocoa bar,” Williams said.

To broaden its reach, the Alliance partnered with the Unity Center and student music collective Wombo Combo. The collaboration attracted students with diverse interests and led to a notable increase in participation.

Several stations were set up throughout the Unity Center, including ornament deco

rating, coloring pages, Christmas crafts, and live music. Students also enjoyed a make-your-own hot cocoa bar and a crowd-favorite: homemade Rotel dip prepared by Angelica Smith, director of the Unity Center.

Students said the event offered a welcome break from academic pressure. “The feeling of knowing we have finals, and we can still have fun—and whatever happens, we have a great community that will support us—is exciting,” said Wynter Hurt, community outreach chair for Marian Alliance.

Others praised the food and atmosphere. “I loved the event. I loved the Rotel. It was a 10/10,” Jessica said.
“I had fun, and that doesn’t happen a lot,” Daniel said.
“It was nice. It was maximalist. Everything was happening. It was a beautiful holiday fun. More Rotel—double the Rotel dip,” said Maddie, the Alliance’s secretary.

Marian Alliance leaders said their goal is to build community and create spaces where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. The event served as a reminder to slow down, breathe, and reconnect before diving into finals week.