Sounds of laughter and music echoed around campus, while the aroma of burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and much more perfumed the air.The Downs Hall Cookout took place on September 10, 2012 on the patio across from the Downs Hall entrance. There were few carnival games for the attendees to enjoy and Student Organization handed out "Rock the Vote" pins, to promote the importance of letting ones voice count in this year's elections. The cookout brought people together to enjoy good company, good weather, and good energy. Students gathered around the DJ booth and reveled in laughter and activities as well as the many food options available for them provided by the university services.

In one area of the patio, a DJ blasted the latest tunes that resulted in many students doing the most recent dances and singing along with their favorite artists. "The event is good. It's a great chance to meet new people," said Czarina Samaniego

Freshman art history major Jordan Cahill mentioned, "It's a lot of fun. My roommates and I heard the music [from our residence hall] and we went to see [what was going on]."

Activities such as this are what students relish for to build school pride and keep great energy floating.