MESSA Events

MESSA tries to keep environmental student's and faculty's calendars full of social events and fun activities. These events are a welcome break from the routine of classwork, homework, and just plain work. Social events are what keeps us going, because as we've all heard, "It's not what you know, but how much free food you can get along the way!"

This page is an overview of some of our 'annual' events. For details of what's happening this year, go to the MESSA Calendar.
The MESSA social calendar starts off right with an informal "welcome back" party hosted by MESSA members. This is a great time for first year students to get to know some second years (and third years, and fourth years...). Notable past parties have included an '80's theme, and something to do with a slip and slide.

MESSA's holds an Annual Fall Camping Trip at local state park. It's another chance for MESSA members to spend a little more time getting to know each other and to get out and enjoy the environment that we all are at least a little bit interested in. People get out walking in the woods, hanging with the trees, kayaking and canoeing, and of course there's always the long night around the campfire...

The Annual MES Oyster Roast, held in late October, is a favorite social event. Traditionally faculty and students have headed out to enjoy a beautiful day of socializing at Dixie Plantation, while devouring bushels of fresh, hot oysters.

Check out these MESSA members enjoying a table heaped with hot oysters at the 2004 oyster roast.. (Adam Sine seems to be particularly enjoying the feast! He is after all, a true Charleston native.)
Just after finals, and right before winter break, it's time for the Holiday Party. In the past it has been held at the Blacklock House on Bull Street. The Holiday Party is a celebration to honor the December graduates and is shared with other students and faculty. This is MESSA member's chance to dress up a little, enjoy a tasty spread, and hob-nob with your favorite faculty in a more civilized setting.
MESSA Officer Elections are held in December. Sounds dull? Then you don't know MESSA yet. Held at a local restaurant or bar (the South End Brewery seems to work nicely) election night involves a lot good food, good drink and short, but inspired speechs by aspiring officers. The outgoing officers seem to be in a particularly good mood that night too. Hey, the job does require some work...

A major event held in February since 2003 is the 8K for H20. This race, which raises all kinds of money for local non-profits, involves a whole lot of MESSA members coming out to volunteer, for both the Lighthouse Marathon a couple weeks ahead of time and the 8K race itself. Yep, you have to get out of bed a little early (they're runners, who knows?) but it's a good time at the beautiful edge of America and you'll probably get lots of freebies, like t-shirts and breakfast!

And,after the race in 2005, MESSA held a Field Day at James Island County Park. MESSA members got outside, barbecued a little and had a great time playing games and hanging out in the sun.
As a final send off to graduating students and reward for another successful year in the MES program, the last MESSA event of the year is the Spring Fling. Just as the weather starts to warm up, students and faculty get together one more time for socializing and snacking, at another beautiful Lowcountry location.
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