SU, SUNY-ESF gear up for April 24 MayFest

SU, SUNY-ESF gear up for April 24 MayFestApril 23, 2007Rob Enslinrmenslin@syr.edu

Syracuse University and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry are making final preparations for MayFest, an all-day celebration of student creativity and discovery, taking place on the SU campus Tuesday, April 24. Thousands of students from both institutions are expected to participate, while thousands more of all ages — some from as far away as Pennsylvania and New York City — are expected to attend as guests. The third annual event is SU’s largest-ever festival of intellectual creativity.

“This is one of the most special days of the year on our campuses because it showcases the fruits of our students’ and faculty’s intellectual endeavors and invites the entire Central New York community to see Scholarship in Action up close,” says SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor.

MayFest has three components. The daytime session, which runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., features nearly 100 free student concerts, performances and exhibitions; academic discussions and presentations; and special interactive experiences. Afterward is the MayFest After Dark Dinner, taking place from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Panasci Lounge in the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center. The evening culminates with the family-friendly MayFest After Dark, featuring live music (including a gala performance of Haydn’s oratorio “Creation,” with the SU combined choirs and symphony orchestra), puppetry, science magic shows and an international festival.

MayFest and MayFest After Dark are free and open to the public. Ticket prices for the dinner are $7 for children (ages five to 12), $12 for adults and $33 for a family package of four (two adults and two children). Children under five eat free. Dinner tickets can be purchased by calling the Schine Box Office at (315) 443-4517.

Free public parking for MayFest is available in the Stadium Lot, west of the Carrier Dome. Free shuttle service between the Stadium Lot and the Main Quad is also provided.

MayFest is organized by The Soling Program, a University-wide program administered by The College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to institutional underwriting, this year’s event is made possible in part through generous support from Alliance Bank, Apple Computer Inc., The C&S Companies, MVP Health Care, WAER-FM and WCNY Broadcasting.

“MayFest showcases what universities — in this case, SU and SUNY-ESF — do well. In a relatively short amount of time, it has become an increasingly popular outlet for students’ most exciting work and a learning destination for thousands of members of Central New York and beyond,” says Soling director James T. Spencer.

“This is a way for students to connect with Syracuse University in person, rather than through registration forms and transcripts,” adds Erin Rent, a chemistry master’s student, who, for the past two years, has brought high school students to MayFest from New York’s Lower East Side. “I feel it’s important for high school students to connect with college students and to see the standards ? that are upheld at a university.”

More information about MayFest — including promotional podcasts, a schedule of events, and updates on transportation and parking, campus tours, safety and food and concessions — is available at http://mayfest.syr.edu. Please note that the “Mask Stravaganza,” scheduled for 10 a.m. in Gifford Auditorium, has been canceled.

For further information about MayFest, contact The Soling Program office at (315) 443-3133.