With the area's record-breaking snowfall in huge piles around campus, the University of Maine at Presque Isle has decided to host a Winter Survival Celebration for students at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 at Gentile Hall.

The event will include winter games, a short presentation from WAGM-TV's Ted Shapiro about this unusual winter, and a physical representation in the Gentile Hall Lobby of just how much snow has been dumped on the area - a whopping 187 inches, or more than 15 and 1/2 feet.

According to Dean of Students Chris Corsello, the event is meant to celebrate the campus's winter "survivability."

"This is a chance for us to take pride in our institution. Yes, it's cold and we get a serious amount of snow here, but our campus has endured - and many of them have done so while maintaining a full course load," Corsello said. "With that last snowstorm breaking the record, we're taking some time out just before Spring Break to celebrate our winter ‘survivability,' say thank you that the worst of the snow is probably over, and hope that spring is coming soon."

Dean Corsello stated that this program is the first in a long series of planned activities sponsored by her recently developed UMPI Pride Committee. The Pride Committee's mission is to promote unity, spirit, visibility and a positive image of UMPI on campus and throughout the greater community area through community activities and services.

Following a short presentation by President Don Zillman and Ted Shapiro in the Gentile Hall Lobby, students will take part in afternoon activities, which are slated to include: an ice chunk throw, toboggan slides, a winter clothing relay race, and snow angel making.

For more information about this event, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 768-9615.