Dayton 2 Daytona aims to excite, names first musical act
By: Cassidy Colarik- Staff Writer
With the end of the school year approaching, the stress of school work and exams weighs heavily on students’ minds. To relieve them of their anxities, the Dayton 2 Daytona committee announced their first performer: Hoodie Allen.
The tradition of attending Dayton 2 Daytona is perhaps most importantly regarded as the last college celebration for graduating seniors.
“D2D is by far one of my favorite traditions at the University of Dayton. There is no better way to celebrate the end of the year and send off the seniors than by a week on the pool deck with your friends,” senior and Dayton 2 Daytona committee member Kelly Fulkerson said.
The love for this tradition is not just limited to upperclassmen, it extends from all students of the community.
“Hearing about upperclassmen reminisce on their memories associated with this trip makes me excited to experience Daytona when I am a junior and senior,” first-year Lauren Murphy said.
According to the Dayton 2 Daytona website, the 2015 trip marks the 38th anniversary since the annual trip was first established. The trip started with humble beginnings, just 50 seniors renting a bus to make their way down to Daytona. With the assistance of student-leisure tour company Campus Vacations, Dayton 2 Daytona has developed into an extensive event throughout the years.
Four neighboring Daytona hotels are closed off solely for UD students while complimentary snacks and beverages, live music, and daytime activities are provided. Over the years, Dayton 2 Daytona has expanded to nearly 2,500 students in attendance each year.
To get students amped up for Dayton to Daytona, there is a Daytona-themed week held at the university. The dates for this year’s Daytona-themed week are from Monday through April 18. Themes for each day are being finalized and are to be announced in the next few weeks along with this year’s performing artists and hotel destinations.
According to Dayton 2 Daytona’s official Twitter, rapper Hoodie Allen will be performing live at the event May 7.
Student bands that wish to perform in Daytona are required to submit a video to the Dayton 2 Daytona executive board.
Additionally, students are required to attend one safety forum session. These hour-long forums serve to educate students about the precautionary steps they should take to ensure their safety before leaving for the trip and to utilize while they are in Daytona.
The Dayton 2 Daytona student committee has been working diligently since September to achieve another successful annual Daytona trip. In the upcoming weeks, their vision will become public to the UD student body, which will spark the excitement to a new level among campus.
“I cannot wait for students to hear and see all the committees plans to be in put into action in the upcoming weeks, not only will it amplify the excitement for the trip, but it will also give students the motivation they need to push through the rest of the semester,” Fulkerson said.
The remaining safety forum sessions are scheduled: April 7 in KU ballroom at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., April 12 in VWK, at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and April 20 in VWK at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m.