Freshmen on their way to the roundup

Freshman Soiree Brings Erskine Students Together

You can forget about being nervous in front of all the other freshmen when you’re dressed like a cowpoke, topped off with a big, silly hat.

It all evens out when everyone else is dressed that way, too.

The Erskine College Soiree, this year with a Western theme, complete with hayride and barbeque supper, is a tradition for Erskine freshmen on their first night on campus, pairing freshman women with freshman men for an opening evening social.

The newly renovated Moffatt Dining Hall was festooned for the occasion with bales of hay, cactus plants, and swinging saloon doors, and balloons and hearts adorned the tables where freshmen and their escorts were served.

"It went extremely well," said Monty Wooley, Erskine’s Vice President for Student Services and Athletics. "The SCA did a great job with the program. They had a ‘Miss Clogsville Contest’ won by senior Cherilyn Walker of Lakeland, Fla., and the line dancing was a lot of fun."

Six members of the Abbeville Clogging Connection, including Erskine alumna Beth Hawthorne, assistant manager of the Erskine bookstore, entertained the group.

The freshmen as well as their escorts seemed to be having a good time and a few shared some remarks about the evening. Renee Genova of Columbia said, "At first I was somewhat nervous about it, but it actually turned out really good–it was a good idea. A lot of people got into the Western theme."

Lauren Funderburk of Columbia said, "I was nervous at first, not knowing how it would work. It was totally fun, though, and I’ve had a really good time."

Abbeville resident Ashley Ferguson said she was also nervous, especially about coming down the stairway at Carnegie. "I thought I might fall down the stairs or do something embarrassing–as you’re walking down the stairs people are staring at you. But everyone got into it and it was really good."

The men were less worried about entrances and appearances, enjoying the fun and the food. Robert Bannan of Spartanburg said, "I just came to have fun," and Michael Moses of Columbia said, "I was impressed with the service here at the dinner. I think the soiree is a good idea–we get to meet people." The freshmen were served by upperclassmen at dinner, enjoying barbeque, baked beans, and watermelon.

Rob Brown of Westminster thought the Western theme was a great idea, and said, "I love the way they carried it out."