By Charlie Denison
Just because the University of Louisville is a commuter school does not mean there are few events on campus. For those new to U of L who are looking for something to do on campus, look no further than the Red Barn.
Just next door to the Student Activities Center, the Red Barn has all kinds of events lined up for Greeks, geeks, Christians, musicians, poets, dancers and most ethnic groups.
Established in 1969 with help from former university president Woodrow F. Strickler, the Red Barn has provided services and programs of a diverse nature for over 35 years.
Student-led organizations have long held events at the Red Barn, like last year’s Giles Corey Press magazine release party, the African Student Union Event and the Spanish Club end-of-semester fiesta.
Not only does the Red Barn offer students a large selection of events to attend, but they can also set up events themselves. George Howe, a Red Barn representative, encourages students to organize an event.
“It’s so easy to book an event, but do it in advance. First come, first serve,” he said. Howe said there are still spots available for the 2005-06 school year.
Natasha Johnson-Thacker, an assistant in the office of the Student Activities Board, works directly with the Red Barn to help organize events.
“I think the Red Barn is a great opportunity for students to get to enjoy themselves and become a part of something on campus,” she said. “Not only that, a student can host their event at the Red Barn and create more awareness of their art, frat, youth group, or whatever it is they want to share.”
The Red Barn also serves as the home of the U of L Multicultural Center, whose mission is “to ensure that campus is an oasis of appreciation and respect for the multiple ethnicities and cultures that enrich our humanity.”
“With events such as the Chinese Moon Festival, there is an openness to other cultures that exists not only at the Red Barn, but throughout the University of Louisville campus,” Johnson-Thacker said.
This fall, the Red Barn is bringing in filmmaker presentations, cookouts, campus crusade events, dance parties and annual events.
“No matter what your affiliation, no matter what your ethnicity, the Red Barn has something for you,” Johnson-Thacker said.
Semester kick-off events include the Campus Crusade’s “Thursday Night Out” on Sept. 2, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Party-Dance in the tradition of the Iota Phi Theta on Sept. 3, and the SAB Latin Night Sept. 10.
“If you really feel there’s nothing for you, talk to us about making an event of your own,” Johnson-Thacker said. However, the Red Barn does reserve the right to reject any request it deems offensive, immoral or obscene as well any event that serves no academic purpose.
Besides providing student entertainment, the Red Barn also offers scholarships. “We provide two Torchbearer scholarships worth $300,” Howe said.
“The Red Barn Alumni scholarships are worth $400, but this coming spring semester’s could be worth up to $500.”
Other scholarships include the Harold Adams book fund. “We have $14,585 of scholarship money to give out this year,” Howe said. “It means a lot to us to be benefactors for deserving students.”
