Labor Day observed for second year

Following last year's change in policy, Gonzaga University remained consistent in its decision to observe Labor Day in its entirety, on the first Monday of September.

Prior to last year, Labor Day was no different than any other school day and "Labor Day Observed," as it appeared on the calendar, was a holiday given to students and faculty at the discretion of the administration.

According to David Lindsay, director of student activities and Crosby Student Center, observing Labor Day at a later date was originally a deterrent to those students residing in the near vicinity of campus, who might opt to return home after less than a full week of instruction. Lindsay also said the decision was a preventive measure to stop "excessive partying."

"Four days of instruction followed by three days off is just giving students room to get in trouble," said Lindsay.

Ted Pinkerton, a junior at Gonzaga, believes this year's celebration of the holiday was both helpful and logical.

"I think a day off is good for the transition. It makes adjusting to a new place easier. Plus, it makes more sense to celebrate the actual holiday," Pinkerton said.

For other students like freshman Beverly Amstadter, who has never observed the holiday in any other way, the issue brings about new ideas.

"It seems silly to observe a national holiday without the rest of the nation, but I think I would prefer it later on, when a break is actually needed," Amstadter said.

Lindsay and the Gonzaga administration's biggest concerns were that students wouldn't seek healthy, engaging activities on their own; however, the past two years may have proved otherwise.

"I have been surprised by the increase in maturity level among students. They have become actively involved in the Spokane community, rather than just the Gonzaga community," Lindsay said.

During the holiday weekend, Gonzaga's campus was filled with activities for all, including the Summer Lights Highlighter Dance, Trivia Night in the Crosby Student Center, and the Gonzaga Women's Soccer Tournament. The 31st annual Pig Out in the Park, which welcomes attendance from Gonzaga students, continued at Riverfront Park.

Though the university encourages students to participate in all the activities it offers, it should be noted that the number of student activities has been reduced.

According to Lindsay, this was  to allow more students to reflect upon and take in the Gonzaga experience.

Lindsay said that for a lot of students the first weekend is about rekindling friendships, especially those returning to Gonzaga for the first time since studying abroad. He was actually surprised by the number of eager students ready to come back to school and reconnect with others.

Looking ahead, Lindsay believes the decision to observe Labor Day will continue. "Few problems arose this weekend. As far as we can tell, more students stayed in town and they appear to enjoy the downtime," Lindsay said.

"An extra day of rest is exactly what I needed, and wanted," Pinkerton said. "It let me get back into my rhythm."

Lindsay said that what he liked hearing most about Labor Day weekend was that students were able to behave while remaining active in the larger community.