Without Power To Blast Booming Stereos Or Recharge Ipods, Upperclassmen Living In Student Neighborhoods Were Forced To Get A Little Creative Last Week.

They Played Their Own Music... In The Dark.

Inspired By Students Strumming Guitars And Singing On Their Front Porches, Sister Annette Schmeling, Vice President For Student Development And Dean Of Students, Developed A Contest Encouraging Students To Create A Music Playlist That Best Emulates Their Experiences During The Sept. 15 Windstorm, Subsequent Blackout And All-night Fire Alarm Buzzing Sessions.

"no Power Play" Is Open To The Approximately 2,400 Upperclassmen Who Live In University-owned Homes And Apartments That Were Affected By Power Outages. The Weeklong Contest Began Monday, Sept. 22.

"what Song Did You Listen To When Your Fire Alarm Wouldn't Shut Off?" The "no Power Play" Web Site Asks. "what Was The Last Song That Played In Itunes Before Your Computer Battery Died?"

A Panel Of Students And Staff From The Student Development And Residence Education Departments Will Award The Most "thoughtful" Playlists With Prizes In Both Group And Individual Categories. The Best Individual Entry Will Be Awarded With An 8gb Ipod Touch, While The Winning Household Can Walk Away With $300 Worth Of Groceries. Second Place Receives A $20 Gift Card To Itunes.

"the Contest Is Just One More Way This Campus Has Rallied This Week," Schmeling Said In A Recent Press Release. "the Students Have Pulled Together And Supported One Another In Such An Admirable Way."

Students Must Submit A Playlist Of 10 Clean Versions Of Songs Available On Itunes. No Original Music, Remixes Or Vulgar Lyrics Will Be Accepted. The List Of Songs Must Be E-mailed To Nopowerplay@udayton.edu. Names, Addresses And Specification Of Whether The Entry Is Individual Or Group Is Required.

"you're Hard Pressed To Find A Student Who Doesn't Have An Ipod Full Of Songs," Senior Kevin Schultz Said In The Press Release. "if It Takes A Student 10 Minutes To Put Together A Playlist And, In Return, Get $300 Worth Of Groceries, Why Not?"

For More Information, Visit Nopowerplay.udayton.edu Or Call The Student Involvement And Leadership Office At 937-229-4114.