The third annual Purple Pump Extravaganza drew Colorado State University-Pueblo students into the Occhiato University Center Ballroom last Thursday for a celebration to pamper and celebrate women.
Many clubs and businesses came together during Women’s History Month to provide services for women in a festive environment.
“Women’s history month is a cool month for what women have done in our history, so we need a day dedicated to women,” said Jennifer DeLuna, director of Diversity and Inclusion, which hosted the event.
Every woman that entered the ballroom received a flowered lei, a goody bag and free services from the participating booths.
Many volunteered to run booths at the event to profile their organizations and businesses.
Alpha Kappa Alpha, a sorority established by African-American college-educated women, was one organization present at the event.
“Our focus is to help better our community—to all. We hope to encourage women to continue their higher education pursuits,” said Tantania Holloway, a member of AKA.
“We hope to be a service to all mankind,” said Antoinette Samuels, another member of AKA.
Health screenings and fitness activities were free to the public and giveaways like a free day at the health club or yoga stretches handouts and heart health suggestions were distributed.
Caricatures, bracelets, haircuts, manicures and pedicures were provided to participants. Music and food rounded out the event from 2-8 p.m.
Jordan Marsh, staff member of the Diversity and Inclusion organization as well as a CSU-Pueblo student, worked on the organizational aspect of the event.
“We called people and told them about the event that is dedicated to Women’s History Month, and invited them to participate. Those who came are those who agreed to help support us,” Marsh said. “But the Diversity Resource Center does really awesome stuff all year, and we invite people to come to events more often.”
Many groups were on hand, including the Biology Club, which invited participants to create DNA strands out of candy, and the Prevet Club, which sold doggie items.
In addition, the Alcohol and Other Drugs office, for the prevention of substance abuse, had a table, and Naima Mutiudin volunteered at the booth for her social work class.
“We are giving T-shirts to those who pledge to be safe drivers. Some places will give free non-alcoholic beverages to those who wear their shirts to the establishments. Come down to our office in the basement of OUC,” Mutiudin said. DeLuna said that, though there is an International Men’s Day, men such as presidents are already celebrated on our calendar.
“I think it’s nice to have time to celebrate accomplishments of women who contributed to our history, too,” DeLuna said.
