By: Grace Leone
As the weather begins to warm for the spring season, Bellarmine students frequent the Quad and other outdoor spaces across campus.
Jordyn Gerdes, an elementary and special education double major, said, “I get to go outside and go for walks and walk to class and incorporate that into my daily routine.”
Hallie Sydnor, an exercise science major, said, “I do think that campus feels more alive and vibrant whenever the weather gets better.”
Kyle Fuller-Bertrand, an exercise science major, said, “I have good associations with spring, so it makes me feel a lot better.”
Bellarmine lacrosse plays against Cleveland State in the Owsley Brown Frazier stadium.
But why is the changing of seasons in favor of warmer temperatures and clearer skies so crucial to campus life?
Edwin White, a psychology major, said, “Nobody wants to stand outside in the cold.”
Many students said the warmer weather has a direct impact on their mental health and their academic performance, two things Bellarmine promotes as part of the campus experience to enrich the whole person.
Fuller-Bertrand said the warmer weather makes him feel energized.
Gerdes said she does not feel so depressed with the presence of warmer weather.
British science journalist and author Linda Geddes in the article “Living Daylight,” said: “Experiencing a marked contrast between day and night is important. Our light exposure influences the amplitude of our biological rhythms: they become flatter under more constant light conditions, which has been associated with poorer sleep.”
Students enjoy the sunshine while studying in the Quad.
Students can find spaces like picnic tables, balconies, tables, benches and more scattered around campus to work and socialize at.
Sydnor said, “I started studying outside laying on a blanket, so I can still get some sun, but I can get some work done at the same time.”
Students took advantage of warmer weather as temperatures reached the high 70s during the April 8 solar eclipse. Students showed up with solar glasses, blankets and yard games to enjoy the rays - and the darkness the eclipse brought.
Students said they feel the higher energy of the activity in the quad. “For the solar eclipse, when it was nice out, there was tons of students filling the quad,” Sydnor said.
Students fill the Quad in preparation for the solar eclipse.
Many students participate in other outdoor activities when the weather warms up. “People seem to come out and enjoy nature more,” Gerdes said.
Fuller-Bertrand said he likes to go for runs around the track on campus.
Bellarmine hosts many events outside on campus once the weather warms up. White said: “I remember there was a bouncy house near the chapel. I forget when that was, but it was warm out and I had fun.”
As the semester comes to an end, Bellarmine’s many student organizations and groups are taking advantage of the warm weather to host events outdoors. Bellarmine’s Engage page promotes many of these events.
The Summer Send-Off is a celebration of the end of the semester hosted by the Bellarmine Activities Council (BAC) in the Quad from 4 to 6 p.m. on April 18. Athletics also has many events happening outside including Bellarmine lacrosse vs. Detroit on April 20 starting at noon in the Owsley Brown Frazier Stadium. Residence Life is hosting its annual spring music event, Bellaroo, on April 23 from 4 to 11 p.m. The event offers live music, free giveaways, food and more.
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