UPC wins program of the year award

The University Programing Council, formerly called Union Board, was awarded the Program of the Year for their Life Size Candy Land program during the National Association for Campus Activities Mid America Regional Conference. The conference was held in Covington, KY from November 10 – 12. Valpo UPC was up against larger schools with a much larger budget, but their hard work paid off when they won. This is the first time that UPC has won this award.

“Being awarded the program of the year is a great accomplishment and a welcome recognition of the board’s hard work,” said Nick Colis, a senior political science major and president of UPC. “This award is a great inspiration to continue to work hard and create the best events for this campus.”

The Life Size Candy Land program went along with the 2010 Homecoming theme, Be A Kid Again. Both ballrooms were transformed to give students the chance to relive the popular board game in a real life experience. The UPC created a castle for the queen, a frozen pond, the peppermint forest, a chocolate swamp, the liquorish tower, giant lollypops, dumdrops and peanut acres. Each student that played was their own game piece. As they moved throughout the board they collected candy from each “˜land’ they visited.

The game went so well that it was brought back for the Kids and Sibs weekend later in the year.

“The best part of this program was seeing the reactions of the student participants,” said Colis. “It was clear that everyone was enjoying themselves as they experienced one of their favorite games as a child.”

The UPC is run by a student board of 10 executives that plan diverse and entertaining events for the students at Valparaiso University. Some of the events include, a comedy series, late night, concerts, films and other special events.

For more information about the UPC events, visit valpo.edu/student/upc.