Cardinalpalooza Debut at Catholic University -

Cardinalpalooza is the new official name for the celebration of the last day of classes. Courtesy of Campus Ministry

By Emily Prendergast

Every year on the last day of classes, Catholic University students gather on the Przybyla lawn and in the food court to commemorate the end of the year. The event, previously known as Luaupalooza, is set to be named “Cardinalpalooza” for the 2019 celebration. This year’s theme has been changed from a luau theme to “under the sea” with the slogan, “It’s been a shell of a year.”

The new theme and name was released on December 7, 2018 when Campus Ministry dropped a banner advertising the event in the Pryzbyla atrium. Students at Catholic University look forward to this event every year and students line up before the celebration in hopes of being able to take home the t-shirt of the year. Student ministers are encouraging students to submit their designs for this year’s shirt. The prize for the winner of the design contest wins a $25 gift card to Murphy’s Grill.

Although the name change was sudden and people are speculating about the reason for the name change, some students are excited about the debut of the new name.

“I’m super excited for Cardinalpalooza! The event was great last year, and I know those involved will put on another great event this year!” said sophomore Anne-Elyse Pitre. “The name won’t change the success of the event, and I’m excited to see what Cardinalpalooza has to offer.”

Students have been speculating that the theme change was prompted by a complaint about cultural appropriation; however, this is just student speculation. Student ministers were instructed not to make a comment about the name change.

A similar event that takes place in the beginning of the year that was previously known as “Fall Fiesta” also underwent a name change to “Fall Festival.” Campus Ministry will be preparing for this event the same as previous years in order to create a positive environment for students to unwind before the beginning of finals week.

“The end of the year party is a time for the entire community to celebrate the conclusion of classes, provide a little down time before exams, and to enjoy one another’s company before the summer break,” Father Jude DeAngelo said. “Campus Ministry originated and named the event many years ago. The name change to Cardinalpalooza is an effort to be more specific about the entire community feeling welcome and emphasizes and celebrates our unity as Cardinals.”

Students on campus are already getting excited about the event are anticipating this to be one of the biggest on-campus events of the year. The name change does not take away from the widespread anticipation of the event.

“I heard about Luaupalooza when I toured Catholic University and was told that it was a huge event for students to gather at,” said junior Katie Connolly. “I am excited to see what this year’s Cardinalpalooza has to offer and what changes are being made with the new theme.”