Build-a-Bear event brings RU students together

Roosevelt University students had a chance to stuff their own "huggable, lovable friend" at the Build-A-Bear workshop held on Wednesday, Sept. 1.  Dozens of students packed the Fainman lounge, as the event has become one of the most popular Welcome Week events on campus.

"It's good to feel like a child once in a while in the midst of bills and being a graduate student," said Adrienne Walker,  a second-year grad student majoring in music.  

Katelyn Jaffe, Special Events Chair for the Student Programming for Enrichment, Enlightenment, and Development (SPEED), said the previous committee organized the event before the spring semester ended.   

"It's our way of bringing non-traditional fun activities to campus," Jaffe said.  

Evan Lane of Discover Chicago and Suburbs Chair, said she hopes the workshop shows students that "their [student activities fee] isn't going to waste and is being spent wisely" and brings "a feeling of community."

Students could choose from several animals, including a crocodile, monkey, rhinoceros and of course, teddy bear.

 "It's crazy how they give it away for free because these bears are expensive," said Bernis Martinez, a freshman Business Administration student. SPEED reaffirmed that the event is financed entirely by student activities fees all students pay.

Students only had a choice of two outfits, unlike last year, when there were more choices, because of a budget cut to the event.

"We wanted to evenly distribute the budget for the programs this year in order to bring more concerts and entertainment," said Katie Thomson, SPEED Arts and Entertainment Chair.

SPEED did remind students to not be greedy and overstuff their new pets so that everyone could have a chance to build a stuffed animal. "[SPEED] spent too much money on this event last year," Thomson said.

Some students plan to give their work to friends and family, while others plan to keep it. Elise Simon plans to "stick [rhino] on my bed," while Lianne Rodriguez said she will give her rhino to her boyfriend.