Anthony Manno, New Director of Student Activities Office
Written by Nathaniel Lehman
Anthony Manno, Director of the Student Activities Office (SAO), graduated from Hillsdale College in May and assumed his current position this semester.
“I always joke that I have a fun job,” Manno smiles, “because it’s about distracting students and taking their focus off academics when everyone here is so focused on their schoolwork. Focusing first on academics is the philosophy that’s preached here—as it should be—but another part of the college experience is having a great time socially. We here in the Student Activities Office do the best that we can to provide a fun, entertaining, and safe atmosphere for students who want to have a great time outside of their studies.”
Manno’s favorite memory on campus is the time he spent on and off the court with his fellow basketball players, but he had no hesitation when asked what his favorite event as a student was: “Centralhallapalooza, hands-down. It’s the culmination of the school year put into one giant party.”
This year’s Centralhallapalooza will be held on April 25th. Manno admits he’s already excited about it, even though the event is still six months away. He loves Centralhallapalooza mostly because “it’s the event with the biggest turnout, so it’s really one of the few times that the entire student body can come together and interact with one another.” Usually, Centralhallapalooza begins around six or seven in the evening and goes on until about midnight. This year, however, Manno plans on starting the party earlier and promises that some different elements are in the works.
Manno is also working on some new events for throughout the school year. Current students should keep a lookout for SAO subsidized movie tickets for a local theater. In addition, the SAO is planning to partner with Broad Street Market, a local restaurant and small market in Hillsdale. The real fun is located one level below the store at The Underground, a bar atmosphere complete with pool tables, food, and live music on the weekends. Possible collaborations between the SAO and Broad Street include karaoke, open mic night, and more. Next semester, students should keep an eye out for a Tough Mudder or warrior dash type event. “When it’s spring in Michigan, it’s really not spring,” Manno notes. “It’s pretty muddy and gross out, so I think we could make a pretty sweet obstacle course.”
Hillsdale is known chiefly for its challenging academics, so the events offered by the Student Activities Office are a welcome distraction from that next paper or midterm exam. Regardless of whether you like movies, a night out on the town, live music, or mud pit competitions, Anthony Manno and the SAO have something exciting planned to help you relax and have fun.
Nathaniel Lehman, from Midland, MI, is a freshman at Hillsdale College and a member of the Honors Program. In his spare time, Nathaniel enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee on the quad, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and attending Swing Dance on Friday nights.