Sophomores react to cancellation
By LAURA ROMPF
Assistant News Editor
Many second-year students expressed disappointment in the cancellation of the Sophomore Siblings Weekend, because of both the end of a long-standing tradition and the lost opportunity to share the college experience with younger siblings.
"Here at a school like Notre Dame where there is so much focus on family, where there are so many legacy students, it was really disappointing that an event which focused on family members could not continue," said Peter Rossmann, sophomore class president. "I am disappointed as I am sure the entire sophomore class is."
Other students agreed.
"I am frustrated because I was looking forward to having my younger brother visit campus that weekend and get a better understanding of campus life," said Molly Matune, a Badin Hall sophomore.
Some were concerned because of the end of the tradition and were unsatisfied with the reasoning behind the decision.
"I didn't see the reason why it was canceled," said Melissa Rauch, a McGlinn Hall sophomore. "I have one brother and one sister and they both were planning on attending. I'm disappointed because it is a long-time Notre Dame tradition and it doesn't seem fair to be canceled this year."
Many students were upset with the fact that they were not informed sooner that the weekend might be canceled.
"I was disappointed and upset in the way the situation was handled, having a newsletter go out during finals week when everyone was busy with other things," said Jim Vavricek, Sorin Hall Sophomore.
But informing students earlier, while sophomore class officers were still trying to work out an alternative, could have created false expectations, according toJoe Cassidy, director of Student Activities.
"Students were not informed that there was a possibility of canceling the weekend simply because this is the normal decision making process," he said. "It was not a decision that would be make by a popular consensus. We did collect information from the sophomore class and were willing to look at alternatives. We did not want the information to get out simply because we did not want to raise expectations that somehow this decision would be determined by popularity."
Overall, sophomores seem disappointed because they will not be able to share the experience of the weekend with their younger siblings.
"Sophomore Sibs Weekend was something that I got to participate in and thus wanted my younger brother to enjoy," said Carolyn D'Amore, a Badin Hall sophomore. "It made me appreciate Notre Dame more and find a respect for my older brother who attended this University."
D'Amore's younger brother also voiced some frustration.
"I am sad because it would have been fun to spend the time with my sister because she's cooler than my parents," said 12-year-old Daniel D'Amore.
All News Stories for Friday, January 21, 2000
