Approximately 45 students gathered on the MCCC quad for a screening of the horror movie, “The Conjuring,” a free event organized by Student Life and Leadership on Thursday, Oct. 9, as part of the college’s fall event series.
Students spread out blankets on the grass and gathered around the large screen as the horror film began. They ate snacks in the crisp fall night and screams, laughter, and whispers filled the air as the film’s scary moments unfolded.
Adding to the spooky atmosphere, live scary characters brought by A Haunting on Highland–a haunted house in Yardville–wandered through the crowd, wielding fake blood-stained swords and chainsaws, startling students.
Cesar Samaniego, a third-year biology student, said, “My favorite part of events like these is that we get to experience a different environment rather than just going to the movie theater.”
Raif Sanchez, a third-year Advertising and Graphic Design student who helped organize the event, said, “The goal was to bring the community together, have a nice, fun, and spooky night for Halloween, and to keep a nice tradition here at Mercer.”
Sanchez added, “It’s really about having students engage, having something to do. Our focus is on them and giving them a nice little break.”
This event was part of Student Life and Leadership’s fall line up that will include a Halloween Masquerade party preceded by a masquerade decorating event on October 30.
“Events like these bring life to campus,” said Darius Young, a Food Science student. “It brings more students to Mercer and helps them build relationships,” he added.
The movie night also attracted alumni returning to campus for a visit. Mohamed Faiz, a business administration student who graduated last year, attended the screening to reconnect with friends and revisit familiar spots.
“It’s good to be back in the community where you belong,” Faiz said. “It brings so much nostalgia.”
