One of Ouachita’s most unique and anticipated fall traditions kicks off Sunday, September 4 and continues through the following Saturday, September 10. The week of themed parties dubbed TWIRP (The Woman is Required to Pay) week is exactly what it sounds like–women typically ask men to accompany them as dates to the events, and in order for couples to gain admission, the woman is required to pay.
Various social clubs and organizations on campus will sponsor each night of the week, with every event themed differently. Themes for the week will include: Sunday, September 4–Campus Activities Board movie night; Monday, September 5–Chi Mu Geezer’s Night Out; Tuesday, September 6–Tri Chi 80’s night; Wednesday, September 7–EEE 50’s night; Thursday, September 8–Chi Delta luau; Friday, September 9–Campus Ministries barn bash; Saturday, September 10–Chi Rho Phi nerd prom.
Campus Activities movie night will start the week out with a showing of “Captain America: Civil War” on Sunday night at 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and pillows to sit on, and many students have worn pajamas to the event in the past. The movie will be shown in Walker Conference Center.
The week will continue on Monday night with GNO (Geezer’s Night Out), sponsored by the women of Chi Mu, beginning at 6 p.m. Because Chi Mu was established just last year, this will be the first TWIRP week to feature this particular night. Attendees are encouraged to come to the event in their best senior citizen attire.
“People should expect something different,” said Kacy Spears, a charter member of Chi Mu. “Go to TWIRP because it’s fun, relaxing and a unique experience to Ouachita!”
The women of Tri Chi will host their annual 80s night on Tuesday starting at 6 p.m. in the Tiger Den. The event will feature costumes inspired by the 80s and the best music from the decade.
“In preparation for this evening, we have made some awesome 80’s playlists, cut out so many Pac-Man characters and spray painted records to hang around,” said Faith Reed, president of Tri Chi’s 2016 pledge class. “The atmosphere is going to be so tacky and neon and all things 80’s, and we are excited!”
EEE women’s social club will take the week back several more decades with their 50s night on Wednesday. Starting at 6 p.m., the Tiger Den will look like a scene straight out of “Grease.” The evening will include swing dancing, several different games and contests and, of course, music and costumes from the 50s.
“I like seeing everyone come because not everyone wears the traditional poodle skirt,” said Emily Brosius, a junior member of EEE. “Everybody comes with what their own idea of what 50s is, so I like seeing everybody’s costumes.”
Chi Delta’s Thursday night luau encourages island attire and will feature a series of Hawaiian-themed couples’ games. Couples will receive points for each game, and a winning couple will be determined at the end of the night.
Barn Bash is always one of the most highly anticipated nights of TWIRP week, and this year’s will surely not disappoint. Hosted by Campus Ministries, the event will begin at 6 p.m. at Bridges Farm. Festivities will include square dancing and a barbeque dinner. Tickets for this event are $9 each and include the dinner. Ticket prices will increase to $10 each starting on Monday, September 5.
“You should come to Barn Bash so you can look like a fool learning to square dance with a bunch of awesome people. And there’s barbeque!” said Suzanna Rieves, a ministry leader for Campus Ministries.
The week will round off with Chi Rho Phi’s nerd prom on Saturday in the Tiger Den beginning at 6 p.m. This event calls for nerdy attire and will include dancing, a photo booth and games.
TWIRP week is always revered as an essential freshman rite of passage. Many Ouachita upperclassmen credit TWIRP week with establishing some of their strongest friendships in college, and the week helps ease the transition into college life.
“The pictures are always so much fun, looking back on the memories of dressing hilariously with your favorite pals… What could be better?” Reed said.
Tickets for each night are $3 for singles and $5 for couples, excluding Barn Bash, which are $9.
