Successful Turnout at First Oktoberfest for MSU Law

By Jake Jenkins

Oct. 18, 2022

To underscore Dean Linda Sheryl Greene’s commitment to students having a great law school experience and express gratitude for getting the semester off to a strong start, MSU Law hosted an Oktoberfest celebration on this past Thursday.

Sausage, meat, and vegan; root beer; and silly T-shirts were the main attraction. Faculty and staff were encouraged to wear their favorite T-shirts and name tags for a contest. Students voted on Facebook and Instagram after the event when pictures of each participant were posted with their shirts. On Facebook, votes were casted by liking the picture of one’s favorite shirt. On Instagram, a reel was posted showing participants’ shirts with a number assigned; followers were allowed to comment which shirt was their favorite by typing the number assigned with the shirt.

As results came in, Veronica Thronson, Clinical Professor of Law, won on Facebook with a total of 28 likes while Thronson and Margie Aimery, Director of Events, were tied on Instagram with six comments.

Despite the last-minute location change from outside to Castle Board Room due to weather, Senior Assistant Dean for Student Experience Veronica McNally was able to quickly adjust for a successful turnout.

“When the weather is uncooperative, the party must still go on,” said McNally. “Turnout was amazing, I am so thrilled the community came to celebrate the hard work this semester.

Many students were very pleased with the event, as it shifted their attention away from studying for moment to enjoy homecoming week festivities.

“This event was great to just take a break from academics,” said Jake Putala, ’24. “It’s good to reconnect with some of my fellow classmates who I haven’t seen in some time due to the rigorousness of law school.”

Students also expressed the idea of having more events such as Oktoberfest so that it allows the community to continue to come together.

“It’ll be great to have more spaces like this to gather as a community,” said Patricia Graham, ’24. “I feel we need more events to let loose and have fun sometimes.”

Traditionally, Oktoberfest is a celebration held in Munich, Germany that started in 1810. In addition to eating, drinking, and dancing, visitors can enjoy colorful parades, a variety of fairground rides, and for those not themselves in traditional Bavarian gear, admire those that are.

As the festival’s traditions crossed over to the United States in the early 60’s, many towns and universities hosted celebrations to attract their communities and have a great time of fun.

“We are establishing are tradition here,” said McNally. “Coming together to celebrate in the halfway point of the fall semester; I hope being at this event encourages people to go out and celebrate Homecoming.