An Entertaining Passion
Each year, the UK Student Activities Board (SAB) provides UK students with a diverse selection of can’t-miss events. With everything from concerts to movies, comedic performances, artistic exhibitions, lectures and fundraisers, this student-led organization works hard to offer up something for everyone.
"The Student Activities Board is one of the largest student-run organizations on campus," says Ben Vanderhorst, SAB president. "Our mission is to enhance the college experience by providing students, other members of campus and local communities with entertaining, educational and enriching programs that are reflective of contemporary issues and trends."
With eight different committees, a promotions team and an executive board, SAB has many exciting ways for students to get involved on campus.
The committees include:
Campus Life
Student Center Spectacular, Campus Ruckus, game shows, speed dating, poker tournaments and “Game Day” activities are just a few of the fun and interactive events crafted by this committee. With a “hands-on” approach, this fun-loving group of students works hard to increase school spirit and show everyone that UK is the center of fun and excitement in Lexington.
Cinema
Whether you’re into the recently released side-splitting comedy or nail-biting thriller, this committee brings the latest and greatest movies to a campus location near you. With popular events like Cheap Seat Tuesdays and free sneak peeks, these SAB members are using their Oscar award-winning efforts to bring the best of the big screen right here to Big Blue.
Concert
Bringing both chart-topping and up-and-coming artists to campus, this group of music-loving students is responsible for hosting both large and small musical performances that cover all genres of music. Whether into head-banging rock, smooth jazz or down-home honky tonk, students can be part of this committee that has brought artists like Jason Mraz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Keith Anderson and many more to UK’s campus.
Cultural Arts
From art and photography exhibits to classical musicians and the spoken word, the Cultural Arts committee is dedicated to enriching the campus community with art in any form. students can feel free to bring out their inner artist by helping to plan events that feature things such as the AIDS Memorial Quilt and Mandala Sand Painting.
Engaging Issues
As our community and the world around us become more diverse and complex, so must our discussions regarding the issues that surround our lives. The Engaging Issues committee has proudly presented a vast array of lectures and panel-discussions regarding topics such as gay marriage and the war in Iraq. Students looking to be a part of some of the most eye-opening events on campus will want to get involved with SAB's Engaging Issues committee.
Multicultural Affairs
With events such as the Diversity Dialogues, Stories from New Orleans and the Innocence Project, the Multicultural Affairs committee strives to promote cultural awareness through open discussions and lectures all across campus. This committee shows UK students how beautiful our differences can truly be.
Pop Culture
From spotlighting the most humorous comedians in their Laughs on the Lawn series to offering a behind the scenes look at some of today’s most acclaimed movies with the directors that made them a reality, the Pop Culture committee brings to campus everything that students are buzzing about. Students who enjoy watching the newest comedian on "Comedy Central," are a "Grey’s Anatomy" fanatic or avidly read People magazine would definitely love this committee!
Traditions
The Traditions committee brings to life the annual UK Homecoming celebration where the true spirit of UK is at an all-time high. With events like the “Blue Man” Competition, 5K Walk/Run, Kitty Karnival, Big Blue Impromptu and the game day celebrations, this committee proudly presents a week packed full of UK pride and spirit.
One of the most unique features of the Student Activities Board is the completely student-run promotion team. Students do everything from designing the posters and graphics to writing press releases to creating and maintaining a Web site to promote all the events.
The overall process of a proposal actually becoming an event is a long but rewarding process. The Student Activities Board strives to bring unique events that challenge stereotypes, create discussion and simply entertain the student body.
We love what we do," says Ashlee Harris, director of public relations for SAB. "We stay pretty busy researching, planning, promoting and implementing events, but it is worth every minute of the hard work. We all come in the office every day knowing that we have been chosen to represent UK and we don’t take that lightly. The board is student funded, so we have an obligation to every student on this campus to bring events that will entertain and educate a diverse array of students.
"We are very different people with talents in different areas, different opinions and different ideas—and we embrace that. Students join the board for a wide variety of reasons—whether it be to meet new people, enhance their resumes, gain experience in their field of interest, see a change on campus, fulfill an internship credit or chase a dream -- but the most rewarding experience is being free to define your position within the organization. We all came in being passionate about the positions we were hoping to obtain, and now that we are in those positions, we have realized that our passion together is for UK."
