Contact: Allison Matthews

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University students can enjoy free late-night and weekend activities with a new “Dawgs After Dark” initiative that the Division of Student Affairs is launching this weekend.

The series of fun events kicks off with a GlowFest Saturday [Jan. 13] from 8 p.m. until midnight in the Colvard Student Union Ballroom. The event will feature activities under black light for a glow-in-the-dark theme, including nine-hole mini golf; arcade games like foosball and Ping-Pong; airbrush tattoos; a photo booth; deejay and glow sticks. Organizers said 250 free T-shirts will be given away to participants. Admission is free, but students should bring their MSU identification card.

A Futsal Friday soccer activity on Jan. 12 and a Slammin’ Saturday basketball program on Jan. 13 also are part of the kickoff weekend. Both events take place 7-10 p.m. at the Sanderson Center and will become regular features of the Dawgs After Dark series.

“With a growing population of out-of-state students and more who are looking for free, fun weekend activities that are safe and easily accessible, we developed the Dawgs After Dark series to meet some of these needs,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt. “Late night and weekend programming contributes to a vibrant student life, and we are always looking for ways to help our students make connections and feel like MSU is home,” she added.

Other January events include a campus rave at Perry Cafeteria from 9-11 p.m. on Jan. 20, as well as a lip sync competition in the Union Dawg House from 9 p.m.-midnight on Jan. 26.

Several entities within the Division of Student Affairs are partnering to bring the new programming to students. The Joe Frank Sanderson Center, Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Office of Housing and Residence Life and Center for Student Activities all are helping coordinate the events.

“The Sanderson Center events offer a relaxed environment for anyone who loves soccer and basketball to enjoy the games. I’m excited about bringing the Starkville soccer community together on Friday nights for fun and friendly competition,” said Patrik Nordin, director of University Recreation. “Anyone is encouraged to come play or watch. Community members also are invited to participate in these recreational events, and we’re discounting the guest pass for Dawgs After Dark to encourage those who may not be regular members of the Sanderson Center,” he added.

Amelia Rogers, associate director for the Center for Student Activities, said future events will include movie nights, a performance by a magician and comedian, a poetry slam and roller skating. Complete details are available at www.union.msstate.edu. Rogers also may be contacted at 662-325-2930 or arogers@saffairs.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.