York University is proud to bring you Red and White Day: Celebrating York’s 54^th Birthday on Tuesday March 26^th! The Winter semester Red and White Day showcases to the world that York University has spirit that is second to none and it is demonstrated successfully through celebrating York’s 54^th Birthday. This year York is U’s own Ariel Phan and Joy Simone Brown are organizing this enormous campus wide event. According to Ariel; “Our hope is to increase York’s spirit to students across campus which allows students to express their school pride and at the same time experience a sense of belonging”.

Similarly, Red and White Day’s purpose it to engage students and bring awareness to the undeniable spirit and presence we have as an educational institution. Students that are engaged are built better for success because they are able to build valuable connections that support them through their time at York. We also would also like to give our peers the platform to celebrate York in our campus wide Flash Mob. This opportunity to participate plays its part in engaging the masses to get involved and strengthen connections. Strengthening our community brings forth more involvement in extracurricular and academic activities, which brings forth that sense of belonging.

York is U will be offering students and staff free cupcakes in the East Bear Pit. Button making, free tattoo, and photo booth will be running at Vari Hall.  There will also be free giveaways to those wearing red and white and York gear. There will be cake cutting ceremonies taking place at Keele and Glendon campus in the Student Centre. It will run from 10am to 5pm with activities happening through out the day.

There will be a collective flash mob which will be a collaboration with York is U and various organizations, clubs and colleges on campus. This Flash mob is a collective of events that will be taking place at various locations and times showcasing school pride.

This event is a great collaboration between Student Community and Leadership Development peers led by York is U and the rest of the university. This is the third event of its kind, which goes beyond the celebration of York’s Birthday, but includes other organizations and initiatives across campus coming together.

To view last years YFile: http://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2012/11/19/yorks-red-white-spirit-found-in-the-lecture-hall-and-beyond/

York is U will also be leading the Red and White Day Spirit Competitions as part of the festivities and our Core Event Ambassador Raymond will be working with York is U volunteers and SCLD members in those competition areas.

For more information, check out: http://www.yorku.ca/redwhite/

Getting involved with Red and White Day: Celebrating York’s 54^th Birthday allows students to engage by showing their spirit in various ways. For instance, they can wear their York Gear (sweaters, sweat pants, t-shirts etc), participating in the Spirit Competition/Flash Mob, or come out to join the cake cutting ceremony. Students will also be able to get discounted York related items from the bookstore. In return, all students will receive positive messages of York and continue to participate in further events and opportunities on campus.

This event has been executed for the past 10 years and we are now expanding our scope to beyond just cupcakes but working together in creating a huge impact and demonstration of university-pride. Last year, due to the popularity of the cupcakes, all 5000 of them were enjoyed by students, as with the button making station and giant card signing. This year, we hope to alert regular students to be aware of the celebration by wearing York gear, participating with the Spirit Competition/Flash Mob and come out to celebrate with us all around campus.

By having a grand celebration for 54th birthday of York, it allows students to express their school pride and increase their awareness about a tremendous effort of projecting York University as a better school. The Spirit Day’s purpose is to engage students, so that we can build a stronger and supportive community. On this day, it will be a visual representation of our beautiful and diverse community of students who are doing their work to bring forth positive change on our campus and beyond. York University is a great school and through this event, we hope to elevate the awareness of this and incite participation, pride and spirit from our peers. At the same time, we hope to foster a sense of York pride and belonging in students.

All York students and staff are welcome to participate. The event is inclusive to Seneca at York students. All York students can volunteer for the party attractions (games, button making, cake distribution, etc.). We will be giving away York is U promotional items to attendees and volunteers.

The celebration of York’s 54th birthday is intertwined with Red and White Day, which will be happening on the same day.

If you’re interested in volunteering for Red and White Day, contact Joy at yueventJ@yorku.ca

If you’re interested in volunteering for York’s 54^th Birthday, contact Ariel at yueventA@yorku.ca