Carole Brandt, Dean of Meadows School of the Arts, will host Meadows’ “Thanks a Bunch” beach party at 11:30 a.m. Friday, on the front lawn of the Meadows school. The party is meant to thank all Meadows faculty, staff and students for their performances throughout the year.
“Everyone else does ‘best of this, best of that,'” Brandt said, “but we give out ‘Above and Beyond’ awards to all those who were nominated.”
Although the two-hour party is Friday, “Thanks a Bunch” began earlier this week. Brandt made sure each person involved with the school was thanked by sending them flowers, a note or chocolate candy. Faculty were thanked Monday, staff on Tuesday and students on Wednesday. Anyone else who contributed to the art school was thanked Thursday.
Meadows students can bring guests, but each person attending the party must present a ticket to gain admittance and free food. Tickets can be picked up in the offices of the different art divisions.
“We will have a hamburger buffet, including veggie burgers,” said Deana Johnson, who is in charge of party preparations. “We will also provide chips, drinks, and even brownies.”
This is the eighth year Meadows has celebrated “Thanks a Bunch.” Brandt began working as Meadows dean in August of 1994. That same year, Brandt decided to host the party. About 300 people, including faculty, staff and students, are expected to attend Friday’s event. Many certificates are scheduled to be handed out.
“I think it takes all of us to come together to see that we are a special school,” Brandt said. “People who are all over the campus and the community realize you got through the year and didn’t kill each other.”
In case of rain, the beach party will take place in the Hope Lobby and Taubman Atrium.