Student Profile

Margo

Name: Margo Kolenda ‘14
Major: English and Hispanic Studies, with a minor in Comparative Literature and Linguistics

Involvement on campus: Off-Campus Coordinator for FallFest 2012, Orientation Leader, Member of Top Score (student run orchestra), Member of Waltham group- Companions 2 Elders

What is your favorite part of Fall Fest? My favorite part by far was working with my six amazing co-princesses. I think we were a great team, and I always walked away from our meetings in a great mood. They are all incredible leaders in their own way, but it wasn’t until Fall Fest weekend was actually upon us that I realized the depth of their talents. I can’t imagine the weekend without them and think the whole experience really relied on the collectivity of the effort.

How has this involvement impacted your time at Brandeis? Fall Fest has definitely been a highlight of my Brandeis Career. It really got me more invested in the community and infrastructure, and gave me a whole new perspective on student life.

What made you get involved? How could I not get involved at Brandeis? There are so many opportunities, but Fall Fest really appealed to me because at the time I didn’t know much about it. My parents had never come for the weekend, and I’d only gone to a minimal amount of activities. I realized that when I talk about my love for Brandeis to people on the outskirts of the community, they don’t always understand quite what I’m saying, or why I have so many feeling for my school. I saw Fall Fest as an opportunity to speak directly to those who needed to get to know our school a little better, and wanted to craft experiences that left them feeling like Brandeis is an extraordinarily special place. Suddenly the event that hadn’t really grabbed my attention as a participant riveted me as a leader, and I couldn’t wait for October to arrive.

Do you have a favorite memory of your time working on Fall Fest? One of my favorite moments was the potluck dinner we had for a meeting one night. It was towards the end of our planning process, so we didn’t have too much business to attend to, and it was near enough that the excitement was present at the table. We all brought a dish to pass, mostly things put together from C-store shopping trips, and then in comes Steph with homemade lasagna in a soccer-mom Tupperware pan. It was absolutely delicious, and the perfect remedy for a stressful, probably rainy, Monday night.

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Usdan Student Center


The Usdan Student Center opened in 1970 at a cost of approximately $6.9 million. It comprises 125,500 square feet. Within its walls are:

Conference and Events Services handles reservations for the various meeting rooms in the student center.

Aramark operates all Dining Services locations in Usdan, including:

The Student Service Bureau and the Game Room are located on the basement floor of Usdan, also known as "Lower Usdan".

Usdan Student Center Philosophy

The Usdan Student Center provides services, conveniences and amenities the members of the university community need in their daily lives on campus. It also provides an opportunity to know and understand one another through personal interaction.

The student centers are part of the educational program of the university. As a center of community life, it serves as a laboratory for developing personal skills, educating students in social responsibility and developing leadership in a democratic society. Through various boards, committees, and professional staff, they provide a cultural, social and recreational program that is complementary to the formal academic program of the university. The student centers’ encourage self-directed activity, giving maximum opportunity for building individual and group skills and interests.

Posting Policy

The Usdan Student Center is a great place to post flyers and posters to advertise for events. All advertisements must be approved by the Shapiro Campus Center Info Booth Staff and placed via thumb tack on the bulletin boards within the building, or hung with tape on the brick walls. Any questions please ask the Campus Center Team at the Shapiro Campus Center Info Booth.

Tabling in Lower Usdan

Lower Usdan is a also great place for recognized student clubs and organizations to "table" for their events.  To request tabling space, please visit the Department of Student Activitise in room 203 of Shapiro Campus Center.

Mailbox Stuffing

Recognized clubs and organizations may stuff mailboxes to advertise upcoming events by filling out a Mailbox Stuffing Request Form at the Department of Student Activities, SCC 203.