Trick or Treating: SUNY Cortland Style

Everyone remembers his or her favorite day of the school year as a kid: a day in which you couldn’t even eat lunch because you were so excited for the school day to end. A day in which being a kid was the greatest thing in the entire world.

This day was Halloween.

Most college students likely haven’t enjoyed a childlike Halloween in years. However, SUNY Cortland undergraduates get the chance to relive their youth each and every year.

Local families from the Cortland, Homer and St. Mary’s School will have a chance to trick or treat through all of SUNY Cortland’s residence halls thanks once again to the College’s students, faculty, and staff. A parent or responsible adult must accompany the children. Students get their chance to help by walking the kids around each facility and providing these little goblins with some treats.

This year’s event will take place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30. Residence hall staff will serve as guides to walk the children to each specific door marked with Halloween decorations. Students can adorn their own doors as well if they wish, but in that case, shouldn’t be surprised if a trick or treater comes knocking on their door.

“I truly felt like a little kid again walking around the dorms and helping Tyler experience trick or treating,” said senior special education major Chelsea Way of Syracuse, N.Y., who last year accompanied the child she babysits.

“I used to look forward to trick or treating every year and it made me miss it even more watching Tyler,” Way said. “It felt very rewarding to give back to the community and I’m really glad and proud to have been there for Tyler, and to support the College.”

Jessica Galluccio of Staten Island, N.Y., also plans to participate this year.

“I am so excited for this event,” said the sophomore Dragon Hall resident. “I don’t have any little brothers or sisters, so it’s going to be very nice to give back to these little kids. I also can’t wait to see them all dressed up.”

Families will be able to visit all SUNY Cortland residence halls, including Dragon, DeGroat, Cheney, Shea, Bishop, Glass Tower, Hendrick, Hayes, Alger, and Smith and Casey Tower.

The College also will open the Rec Center Lounge at its West Campus Apartments, located on State Route 281 between Starr Road and Route 13, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. for other activities as well. The party will feature fun and safe Halloween games, snacks and drinks for the tots and their families.

SUNY Cortland students are encouraged to sign up and help promote the College’s commitment to social well being for all community members. Students can register with their residence hall directors or resident assistants. For more information, contact Cheney Hall director Rob Binall at 607-753-4150.

Prepared by Public Relations Office intern Paul Barchitta