Student groups capitalize on this weekend's competition
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| University of Colorado student Zachary Schwartz, right, discovers he can't register to vote without the information on his drivers license, which he doesn't have Wednesday. At left, Libby Lowrey and Elizabeth Shields register at the fountain area of the University Memorial Center on campus. CU is competing against Colorado State, trying to register the most number of students. ( PAUL AIKEN ) |
With the University of Colorado versus Colorado State University football game quickly approaching, groups across campus are taking advantage of the students' amplified school spirit.
Organizations are using the competitive nature of the state rivalry to get students involved in initiatives, like voter registration, that have nothing to do with football.
CU students said that this week they were more likely to contribute to otherwise typical campaigns.
CU junior Stephanie Lee said it's human nature to want to win and students are no exception.
"I'm definitely more likely to participate in stuff this week," Lee said. "It feels good to be on the winning team. Go Buffs!"
Dave Plati, spokesman for the CU athletic department, said the traditional rivalry and excitement of the first game of the season contribute to the campus' heightened school spirit.
"The game breeds a competitive atmosphere for the season starting and some student groups use that as a boost for charity fundraisers, which is good," Plati said. "It gives students a way to get more involved in the camaraderie and the rivalry."
The winning school gets only bragging rights as a result of these contests, but it's enough to get students motivated.
Organ Donor Drive
The CU student group Students for Organ Donation teamed up with Donor Alliance to see which university could register the most organ and tissue donors.
The Rocky Mountain Showdown Campus Challenge began the first week of classes and continues through halftime of Saturday's game, where the winner will be announced. So far, more than 1,100 students have registered between the two schools.
Talbot Fucci, president of Students for Organ Donation, said the group has tried similar campaigns in the past, but has never seen as much involvement. "We attribute our success to CU-CSU competition, hooking it up with the football game," Fucci said. "We think it's the school spirit thing that's getting students excited this year."
Rock the Vote
The CU-CSU voter registration challenge, hosted by CU Student Government and other student groups, will begin Monday and continue until the registration deadline for the fall elections on Oct. 4.
Andrea Miranda, co-director for CUSG Legislative Affairs, said the competition is a great way to get often-apathetic students to take notice of political issues. "This competition is a good way to give students a voice in the upcoming state and federal elections," Miranda said.
CU is hoping to register at least 2,500 students during the month-long campaign. "The contest creates comradeship between our neighboring college and the friendly competition helps get students involved," Miranda said. In 2008, the schools did a similar voter registration contest at the CU-CSU game with CU taking away the win.
Blood-y Competition
The annual CU-CSU blood drive competition once again promises to be a tight race between the two colleges.
Bonfils Blood Center has already collected 77 units of blood from CSU students and is looking for CU to rise to the challenge Sept. 15 and 16. The drive will be held at the CU Recreational Center and, if all spots are filled, would supply enough units for CU to take the win. Students can sign up for an appointment online at bonfils.org or by calling Bonfils at 303-363-2300. Walk-ins are also accepted.
Julie Scott, spokeswoman for Bonfils, said the state rivalry game creates an optimal environment to get student donors.
"It certainly is a big rivalry and we try to capitalize on the attention that that rivalry brings," Scott said.
CU won last year's contest with 271 units to CSU's 237. But CSU took the win in both 2007 and 2008.
Organ donation challenge
What:The Rocky Mountain Showdown Campus Challenge, registering students as organ donors.
When:Now through Saturday
Where:Online or at the registration booth in the lower concourse by gate 10 beginning Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
donatelifecolorado.org, choose the "Buffs Recycle" option when asked, "Where did you hear about us?"
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