Auburn’s University Program Counsel rang in the New Year with a dedication to keeping Auburn focused on family. UPC presents free events throughout the school year designed by students for all students on Auburn’s campus.
Carter Brown, UPC vice president of marketing, said UPC’s events focus on four pillars – educate, empower, unify and serve. Brown said this semester UPC hopes to continue that focus with even greater intensity.
The pillars have served as a major grounding for UPC in the last two years.
“Auburn involvement is really pushing for inclusivity and diversity right now,” Brown said. “So on top of our pillars, we strive to design our events to include members of the Auburn Family from as many backgrounds as possible.”
Maddy Hickman, marketing manager of UPC’s Fine Arts Committee, said UPC’s dedication to celebrating diversity and enriching the meaning behind the Auburn family keeps her working harder on each event.
“UPC highlights the differences that
Each event celebrates a different group of Auburn, especially those that have less of a voice than others. Hickman said this semester, UPC hopes to continue enriching students’ understandings of what the Auburn Family means by providing opportunities to learn something new, experience something new and meet someone new at each event.
“That’s what these events are all about,” Hickman said. “It’s not about the numbers, while those are important. What’s more important is fellowship and that everyone is being heard.”
With the spring semester, Brown said UPC plans to push for empowerment and unification by bringing back some of its favorite events along with some new surprises students should get excited about.
Students can anticipate the continuation of UPC’s Red Barn Series, Painting on the Plains and Open Mic Night. Open Mic Night will kick off the first Tuesday after Martin Luther King Day.
Hosted in the Student Center Starbucks, Open Mic Night allows students to sing, rap, read poetry, perform spoken word, do stand-up comedy and any other talent in front of a welcoming audience.
“We’ve had it all,” Hickman said. “And it really is so impacting when you get to see all these people performing and doing what they love. It’s very powerful.”
This year, Open Mic Night will continue at Starbucks in the Student Center the third Thursday of every month until April. It will then be held at a larger venue to commemorate past participants who made Open Mic Night such a success.
“It’s a long time coming to celebrate those who have given so much to the student body,” Hickman said. “And we’re here to let them know they’re not only heard but appreciated.”
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
