By Jeff Melvin
Inclement weather from Hurricane Dorian forced Delaware Technical Community College’s Annual Movie Night indoors where students and families gathered in the Theater in the Arts and Sciences Building at Owens Campus on Sept. 6 to watch a free screening of Disney’s live action “Aladdin.”
The event was hosted by Student Life and organized by Jennifer Blackwell, Academic Counselor for Student Life, and Kelli Dunt, Student Affairs Program Assistant.
Movie Night is part of an ongoing series of events called “Welcome Days” which includes events like the Welcome Wakeup Call, Calendar Pizza Party, President Picnic, and Club Rush, said Blackwell.
Blackwell and Dunt reported that around 40 people were in attendance at the screening, which Blackwell said was a pretty good size consider that the weather forced the event indoors, and how early it is in the semester.
“I think our biggest challenge is just getting the word out to students,” Dunt said.
Anthony Rousak, a General Business student, was one of the students in attendance.
“I heard about it (Movie Night) through the events calendar online and club advisors,” he said.
Rousak said events like Movie Night help the public's perception of the college and gives the students an opportunity to participate in campus life outside the routine of coming to class and leaving for home.
The event was set to be held outside the Student Services Center but inclement weather from Hurricane Dorian caused a change in location to the Gymnasium in the Jason Technology Center.
The location was changed again from the Gymnasium to the Theater due to an unexpected delay with the delivery of the screen said Blackwell.
“We just appreciated our crowd being flexible,” said Blackwell.
The event was a fundraiser for 22in22, a benefit that helps support veterans dealing with stress.
“22in22 is a campaign to stop soldier suicide focusing on education and information about the veterans and services members who commit suicide due to the stress,” Blackwell said.
Every donation was good for a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich to eat during the event.
Delaware Tech not only used proceeds from Movie Night to help raise money for 22in22 but also sold shirts during Patriot Day to raise money for the benefit Blackwell said.
Delaware Tech has also held other events supporting veterans including the “Run, White & Blue 5K” which was held on Sept. 5.
Multiple concession tables were lined up which provided food and snacks, along with information about various clubs around campus.
A green screen photo booth was also set up featuring a digital “Aladdin” backdrop.
Student Life will not be hosting another Movie Night this semester, but other clubs may decide to host a similar event, according to Blackwell.
For more information about what student life has to offer visit https://www.dtcc.edu/campus-life, or email owens-studentlife@dtcc.edu.
