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| York is U volunteers distribute birthday cake at last year’s 50th party |
The last week of school is just around the corner, which can only mean one thing: York’s birthday is also here.
Balloons and banners will decorate the walls, Lions will walk the halls and red & white York pride will be displayed everywhere on Thursday, as York celebrates its 51st birthday (the actual anniversary is Friday, March 26). With more than 6,000 students expected to enjoy a piece of York birthday cake, this event is shaping up to be one of the biggest one-day events of the year.
The festivities will include the distribution of free cake and cupcakes from 11am to 5pm in the East Bear Pit and the Student Centre. The official cake-cutting ceremony will take place in the Student Centre Food Court from noon to 1pm, followed by stage performances showcasing students performing their hearts out for the university they love, from 3 to 5pm. At the end of the day’s festivities, there will be a pub night in the Underground, also known as the Birthday After-Party, from 9pm to 2am.
Bonne Fête celebrations will also take place at York’s Glendon campus.
“I’m really excited about this event. I can hardly wait,” says Laurie-Ann Tao, special events director of york is U,who is in charge of the birthday celebrations. “I am proud to be part of York and creating great memories of my time here.”
“I hope that it will make York an even stronger community,” says Paulina Su, a second-year visual arts major and York’s birthday coordinator.
York is U volunteers will be on the lookout for anyone wearing red or York gear. If you are caught wearing red or York gear, you receive a 51st birthday gift. And that’s not all – York’s 51st birthday is bigger and better than ever, with many campus vendors getting involved in the celebration. Just mention York’s birthday and receive these special offers:
- York Bookstore: Week-long Sale from March 22 to 26. Everything from books to cloths to stationery and gift items are on sale at special York’s birthday prices.
- The Campus Bubble Tea: Receive 51 cents off any large drink and 51 cents off any pastry only when wearing red.
- Falafel Hut: Receive 10 per cent off after 2pm.
- Z-Teca: Receive 10 per cent off after 2pm.
A new addition this year is the York History Timeline display in Vari Hall.
“It is important to not only foster school spirit but to also learn how far York has come so we can make steps towards its future,” says Mona Nasiri, york is U vice-chair and community outreach director.