Remember back in high school when you used to get out of your last period class for the pep rally? The whole school was there to see different student groups perform, to witness wacky games and relay races take place, and to cheer on the different sports teams for their big games coming up.

Guess what. It doesn’t end in high school.

Every fall semester, the University of Scranton’s student government puts on college’s version of a pep rally: MIDNIGHT MADNESS.

More specifically, it’s student government’s Ignatian Awareness Committee that is responsible for putting Midnight Madness together. The committee in general seeks “to get the students involved in more activities on campus; allowing them to truly take advantage of their experiences outside of the classroom.” (Learn more about the Ignatian Awareness Committee of student government here: http://www.scranton.edu/student-clubs/student-government/senate/ignatian-awareness.shtml.)

It’s great to see the huge number of students come out together and show their school spirit. Midnight Madness has all the components of a great pep rally, and more!

Naturally, all the different varsity sports teams are introduced individually. With the men’s and women’s basketball teams’ seasons starting up, they always look to pump up the crowd.

Our mascot, Iggy, will definitely be there to spur people on.

Iggy, The University of Scranton’s Mascot

In addition, a number of different routines are performed. The Cheerleading squad and the Dance Team always have good performances.

The Urban Beats hip-hop dance team usually makes an appearance too with creative moves that are very well-rehearsed.

Then there’s the unofficial Suburban Beats dance team. This group of students only gets together once a year for Midnight Madness. While they may not be as synchronized as the other dance squads, they definitely have a lot of fun while they perform.

And what would a pep rally be without giveaways? Students can usually count on USPB (University of Scranton Programming Board) or CHEW (Center for Health Education and Wellness) to throw some free stuff at the crowd.

Students at Midnight Madness

Speaking of giveaways, the highlight for many students that attend is the free t-shirt that student government hands out for coming to the event. While designs differ from year to year, there is almost always an “AMDG” somewhere on the shirt. (AMDG is the abbreviation for Ad majorem Dei gloriam, which is Latin for “For the greater glory of God,” a phrase associated with the Jesuits.) I’m very excited to see what the shirts look like this year.

The shirts are free, but students are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to Midnight Madness. This is essentially the admission ticket. The Center for Service and Social Justice collects all these food items to donate to the local community.

Midnight Madness has everything you need for a fantastic Scranton event: free t-shirts, a service component, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere!