Students gather outside the entrance of the jam-packed
Galimore Lanes Main Event. | Photo credit: Troy Townsend
The inaugural Galimore Lanes Main Event at Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Galimore Lanes bowling alley was a major success and looks to bring a familiar culture back to FAMU.
The event, which took place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Jan. 25 was the first, and, definitely not the last of an effort to gather the FAMU community.
More than 300 students came out to enjoy free bowling and pool tournaments, pizza, refreshments, and music at the hands of DJ Loosekid, a regular disc jockey (DJ) for FAMU. Some of the organizations in attendance included Big Brother Little Brother, members of FAMU’s baseball team, the Marching 100, SGA, Transfer Student Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., among others.
The integration of the students and organizations was certainly a point of emphasis according to Melverton Walters, a bowling professor at FAMU who was responsible for the event, as well as the host along with Tournament Sports Foundation.
“This event gives the chance for younger and older students to interact,” Walters said. “I’m starting to bring more events around campus that are student oriented, but also giving the opportunity for FAMU to connect to the community to build a joint partnership. It’s a way to let people know that FAMU is back.”
Students can thank Walters, as well as the Office of Student Activities, for funding the event. According to Walters, the money used to purchase pizza was from his pocket to “make the event more successful.”
Students interact and socialize just inside the entrance of the
bowling alley Thursday night. | Photo credit: Troy Townsend
One of the students who benefitted from the event was Baikisu Ariori, a freshman food science student who got a taste of what some people call “the old FAMU.”
“I think this event brings back the culture for FAMU. As a freshman, I hear a lot of students say we lost a lot of culture,” Ariori said. “I like the fact that there is unity between all the organizations and everyone is having fun. I hope there will be more events like this that will bring back more culture and spirit to FAMU.”
Those who missed out on the event do not have to fret, as it certainly warranted a demand for more affairs to bring the campus together. Malik Sherrod, a junior business administration student wants to see more similar events.
“I feel like this brings people together to have a good time, and of course a good time is a part of college,” Sherrod said.
Students looking to bowl for fun are welcome to the bowling alley from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.