High Time for Tea

Holy Cross to stress importance of voting with ‘High Tea’ event on Super Tuesday

Super Tuesday, Super Duper Tuesday, Tsunami Tuesday — call it what you want to call it, Feb. 5, in which half the nation will cast ballots, is going to be a big day.

As a record 24 states hold primaries and caucuses, the College of the Holy Cross will host an event in the Hogan Campus Center to increase awareness of the importance of voting. The event, titled LiberTEA, is sponsored by the Student Life Tea Series and the Voter Registration Committee, and will be held on the first floor of Hogan from 3 to 5 p.m.

Holy Cross’ registration efforts have already been met with great success. Approximately 275 students registered to vote in a Voter Registration Drive held by administrators on campus last semester (Nov. 6 – 8).

NOT YOUR USUAL CUP OF TEA The Student Life Tea Series is a succession of events where tea is served and offers an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to take time out of their day, relax, and discuss various topics.

LIBERTEA AND JUSTICE FOR ALL The latest installment to the series will celebrate the right to vote and discuss the 2008 Presidential Election.

HISTORY The first “Tea” event started in May 2007 during Finalstastic Week, says Kristen Gleason, coordinator of club sports, intramurals, and recreation in the Office of Student Programs and Involvement. Eddie Carreon, community development coordinator, thought of a “high tea”-themed event. Together they worked to coordinate “High Tea with Lord Carreon,” designed to be a time during the day where students can take a break from finals, and enjoy some tea and conversation. “We modeled it after British High Tea and served finger sandwiches and scones,” she says. “When possible we like to provide education materials. During High Tea we provided handouts explaining the origins of British High Tea.”

TEA FOR ALL SEASONS Harvestea in October: Held outside during fall midterms. During fall 2007, the event drew more than 100 faculty, staff and students to Hogan Courtyard to celebrate the flavors of the autumn season.

Frostea in December: The first Frostea was celebrated during Fall Finals Frenzy Week to give students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to relax during finals week. “In addition to coffee and tea, we served hot chocolate and holiday-themed pastries,” says Gleason.

WORLD TEA PARTY “We are encouraging student groups and faculty to cosponsor these events with us and are looking forward to a “Tea Around the World”-themed event in the May.

WHY SO REGAL? Because anything less would be uncivilized. Related Information:

Holy Cross\' voter registration site