Unexpected snow gives Duke a play day

T he Gothic Wonderland was once again transformed into a Winter Wonderland, but many students woke up to a glittering white campus with mixed emotions-despite the canceled classes that allowed them time for fun and frolicking.

Monday evening, when the snow began falling, many revelers flocked outside for sledding, snowman making and snowball throwing.

However, the campus was surprisingly silent and subdued as the morning approached.

To a certain degree, the second major snowstorm led to a less intense flurry of activity than the last one, although many still enjoyed the novelty of the setting.

Jessica Hersey, for example, was none too pleased with the state of affairs. "It's definitely getting annoying-it's not as fun as it used to be," the Trinity junior said.

While some students traded in their winter jackets for a cozy spot in their dorm rooms, Trinity sophomores Melissa Dunaway and Catherine Lenox trudged knee-deep through the snow. Although both expressed their happiness about having another play day, they admitted that the allure was more appealing during the first snowfall.

"I think people are kind of like, 'OK, we've had it before,'" Dunaway said. "I think this is really fun, but I'm still kind of pissed. Missing three classes today is not good."

Although the thought of the snow made both somewhat wary of missing and making up classes, they seemed more than willing to have fun while they could. Lenox suggested a strategy for sledding: "I think we should go grab trays from the Great Hall."

Others wondered how the University would have students make up lost time.

"I'm a little worried they are going to try to overcompensate for missed classes," said Trinity senior Bashir Eustache, particularly because of the days when the snowfalls have occurred. "The snow seems to not favor Tuesday and Thursday classes, which is interesting since I only have one class on Mondays and Wednesdays."

However, Eustache did not muse for too long, acknowledging his plan to have friends over for hot cocoa. "I'm not sick of [the snow] yet," he said.

While some students like Eustache planned to spend the day inside-as did many dorm dwellers who caught up on sleep, watched movies and held impromptu gatherings-more made use of the snowy environment as the day wore on.

Four students worked on a snowman at the West Campus bus stop, hoping to get materials from Alpine Bagels in order to decorate their new friend.

"We've got to beat the freshmen who made one at the East Campus bus stop last [snowfall]," said Erin Sparnon, a Pratt sophomore.

Eric Edison, a Trinity senior, said that he understands why Northerners might be sick of the continual snowfall.

However, the Floridian said, "The University is at its prettiest moment." Edison added that he and friends were planning on playing football on the quad.

Meanwhile, members of the Sigma Chi fraternity sat in the commons room watching American Pie on DTV.

They were joined by several freshmen rushees who remained snowbound on West Campus.

Ryan Rhoades, a Trinity freshman, ended up watching movies at the section.

"I don't think I'm getting back to East anytime soon," he said.

At other fraternity sections, members made the most of their free time, although the snow has forced them to cancel rush events.

Ervin, a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, said Monday and Tuesday events had to be postponed.

The section has been the site for impromptu gatherings, Ervin said. "We were kind of being hosts of anyone who wanted to come out."

Other aspects of Greek life were affected, as sororities have been forced to cancel their bid nights, or have attendees brave the elements.

Sue Chang, a Trinity senior, said that she has already taken two rolls of film, and a multitude of students roamed around the campus with cameras.

Looking out on a quad blanketed with white, Dunaway shared one last plea for a thaw. "Please-break out the sundresses already."

Katherine Stroup contributed to this story.