EVENT PLANNING
One of the most impactful experiences of my time at Hope College was planning and overseeing the semiannual "Opus Soup" event. Opus Literary & Arts Magazine has a long tradition of hosting this end-of-semester event to celebrate the new issue of the magazine. (The name comes from the letters of "Opus" rearranged to spell "Soup," and the knowledge of who named the event has been lost to time. We do not believe the event has ever included physical soup, but that does not stop about 10 or 20 people asking the staff every year if there will be soup present.)
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When I was a freshman, both the magazine and the event celebrating it were small. Opus Soup was more of a gathering - only a couple of students went on stage to read their work or discuss their visual art, and there weren't more than two or three English professors there.
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When I became a Co-Editor, one of my main goals (aside from increasing submissions) was to make Opus Soup into the big celebration I knew it could be. I learned a lot of lessons the first (and second, and third) time I organized the event, including what food/drink options would be consumed or not, the importance of handing out programs, and why you need to make friends with your A/V technicians.
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This page showcases some details from my final Opus Soup in December 2022, where our event featured over 20 student speakers and over 100 in-person guests.
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Student Speakers
Students read poems, talked about photography, and shared artistic inspiration. For some this was their first time reading work to an audience!
100+
Attendees
Our guests included students' family, friends, and professors, all present to cheer on our freshly published artists!
200+
Online Viewers
Started due to COVID, the livestream component of Opus Soup allowed family and friends from out of state to celebrate with us.
Enamel Pins
Each student who had signed up to speak recieved a special, limited edition enamel pin as a thank-you gift.
Soft Pretzels
I partnered two semesters in a row with the lovely team at Knot Spot Pretzels, a beloved local soft pretzel bakery. The pretzels were the key to entice some students and professors to attend!
Stickers & Bookmarks
We handed out Opus-specific stickers and bookmarks to all of our guests. Leftovers went to the English Department to give to prospective students.