Not quite — but LCSQR is the next best thing. The Leonard Carmichael Society is hosting its first annual LCS Quad Run, which will be an obstacle course around the Res Quad featuring 45-inch and 85-inch inflatable obstacles in addition to four live bands, a dunk tank and food. Though everybody will be fully clothed and probably less intoxicated, LCS is hoping that its new event can supplant the lost Tufts tradition.
A little more than two years ago, then-University President Larry Bacow made a very unpopular announcement cancelling the storied tradition of the Naked Quad Run. Though he cancelled the event with good intentions citing safety concerns, the student body was not thrilled about the decision. Some people decided to run the event anyway, while others participated in the Excessively Overdressed Quad Stroll in protest. Programming Board and Tufts Community Union Senate attempted to pacify the angry student body by creating a contest seeking an event that could replace NQR. But nothing has?until now.
LCS Quad Run has the potential to be not only a successful charity event, but also the replacement for the late Naked Quad Run that Tufts so desires and deserves. LCSQR has the same fun spirit as NQR, but the charitable nature of the event makes its impact go beyond just a way for students to let loose and have fun. The event will provide an opportunity for students to spend a hopefully sunny afternoon on the Res Quad and support a local charity. The event can be a great bonding event for students and different groups on campus who can have fun competing against their friends, while at the same time raising money for the Somerville Homeless Coalition.
For a school that often lacks school spirit, this event could be a replacement for what was Tufts’ last real unique tradition. NQR brought out thousands of students every year, something that no events other than Fall Ball, Winter Bash, and Spring Fling were able to do. Though it is unlikely that LCSQR attracts such numbers, especially in its first year, it is possible that the event gains momentum in future years and becomes an event that people look forward to.
We hope this becomes more than just a philanthropy event. We hope it becomes a day that Tufts students get excited about. We hope people see it as an event and place to relax and usher in the spring season with their friends. And we hope to raise a lot of money for a very deserving charity.
Only time will tell what LCSQR has in store.
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Adam Zuckerman is a junior majoring in political science and the LCS Greek Liaison. He can be reached at adam.zuckerman@tufts.edu.
