Dear fellow students and esteemed colleagues:
The end of another semester is upon us, and I would like to congratulate the students of the leisure studies department. This year has seen unparalleled achievement in the field of leisure studies, and it would be a travesty not to recognize your efforts.
The School of Leisure Studies was met with challenges almost immediately after its resurrection this semester, which seemed to coincide with the beginning of Tempe's new party and noise ordinance. Leisure studies students answered the city's call, however, generating fully 20 percent of all complaints under the new ordinance. Thank you, leisure studies, for stepping up to the challenge of increased enforcement in the only way you knew how: by throwing bigger, louder and better parties.
Those red tags on your front windows are not only indicative of a fine paid to the city, but of your true dedication to your craft. They are those coveted red tags that scream, "Ask me about my experiences in the leisure studies program," and will open the door to grander and more leisurely exploits.
You also took to the bars. Several of you completed the requirements for the Four Peaks Scholar Award, taking on the brewery's menu one beer at a time, in a single sitting, until there were no more to consume. Your success speaks for your collective fortitude.
More frighteningly still, some of you managed to graduate with both your wits and your leisure studies degrees intact. Many students rise to the challenge that leisure studies presents, but few have the zeal to see the challenge to the end. When the going was hard, you pushed harder; and, on behalf of the entire department, I would like to congratulate Josh Tybur, Doug Jarczyk, Kelly Hoffman and Derek Schaible on their determination. If those behind you continue in the vein you have created, we may be forced to commission a graduate program.
Kevin Bondelli, outgoing undergraduate student government vice president and incoming associate dean for the pursuit of leisure, joins me in congratulating you. He would like to remind the student body that the leisurely scholarship exhibited by our graduating seniors is truly worth notice. He is proof himself that college can be the best six years of your life and reminds you not to forget leisure studies as a part of a balanced student curriculum.
In addition to our students, special thanks go out to The State Press for being the paper of record for leisure studies on campus. When Timberwolf and its "Big Ass Beer Nights" were no more, you would not rest until the student body had answers. Timberwolf's closure, while a horrible shame, is a shining example of what happens when you don't pay your rent, a lesson that may prove invaluable to some of us down the road.
When Dos Gringos was set to move from its University Drive location, you made sure to keep the student body apprised of the particulars, so that all were able to participate in this momentous occasion. And while the department isn't sold yet on the campus bars left in the wake of Dos, we are confident that Flip Flops will prosper when people realize you can STILL get beer between classes.
In closing, thank you again to our student body for your unwavering support. We would not have had a successful program were it not for the encouragement of the entire campus community. You have aided us in our perpetual quest for leisure, and for that we are ever grateful.
In leadership, scholarship and leisure,
-- Brian Clapp
DEAN,
SCHOOL OF LEISURE STUDIES
For more information on the School of Leisure Studies, contact us at leisurestudies@asu.edu.
