Students who attended Late Night LSU’s events Friday participated in LSU’s Got Talent, a video game tournament, mini-massages and crafts.
Friday was the second Late Night this year after organizers told students in the spring that the event would be canceled because of a shortage of funding. During the summer Student Government allotted funds from their budget to support the program.
The talent show was the main event of the night. Stephanie Salzer, international chair, and Louis Toliver, pop culture chair, coordinated the show. There were all types of talent, from comedy acts to singers, acting to poetry reciting.
The judges were Perisha Hendricks, former Union Program Council vice president, David Becnel, 2006 Union Program Council president, and Chris Odinet, Student Government president. Judges selected the top ten for the second round, which consisted mainly of singers and dancers.
Summer Ames, music education freshman, Jamie Ducote, veterinary medicine graduate student, and Deanna Ceasar, general business freshman, were the top three contestants. Ames placed third, Ducote placed second and Ceasar placed first, winning a $200 gift certificate to the Union Bookstore.
“I was just so happy,” Ceasar said. “They had so many good competitors.”
While the contestants enjoyed performing for students, many also enjoyed the performances.
“I really liked the talent show,” said Megan Manchester, chemical engineer sophomore. “The dancing boys were my favorite.”
Some students took advantage of the other activities offered at Late Night. The mini-massage included a five-minute massage of the neck, shoulders and upper back.
“It was great,” said Ryan Smithling, English junior. “They really know how to work their hands. It relieved tension build up in the muscles.”
Keith “Cartoonman” Douglas created caricatures of people’s faces.
“It was really fun and interesting to see different people,” said Paige Cherry, microbiology freshman.
Other students said they enjoyed the free pool and bowling games.
“To be honest, I didn’t know today was a Late Night,” said Timothy Garner, mechanical engineering sophomore. “We were about to start a game of pool when they said it was going to close in 15 minutes for Late Night. But I always come because it’s free fun. Every time they throw one I usually come, I just didn’t hear about the one tonight.”
There was also a video game tournament in the Atchafalaya Room. Super Smash Bros. Melee, Soul Calibur 2 and Capcom vs. SNK 2 were the three games played.
Robert Viator Jr., mathematics and physics sophomore, won first place for both Super Smash Bros. Melee and Soul Calibur 2. Isaac Clark, faculty member, won the Capcom vs. SNK 2 tournament.
—–Contact Tara Summers at [email protected]