DEC 12, 2024 | NEWS | By Olivia Link
The Colorado College Student Government Association met with Llamapalooza representatives, CC’s most well-known and most-attended event of the year, on Thursday, Dec. 5. The committee wants to make this year’s Llama more incredible than previous iterations because it marks the 150th anniversary of the college. Student leaders requested a total of $51,353.55 from CCSGA. Around $11,000 of this funding will go to necessary increases. According to budget co-chair Aiden McLean ‘26, the rising costs of things like food, drink, venues and AV equipment are taking up larger percentages of the budget, meaning they have less money to spend on artists. As a result, the committee has had a challenging time booking bigger names to play.
In addition to covering the cost of inflation, the committee requested the remainder of the funding for increases associated with the sesquicentennial celebration. This year, Llama aims to engage the entire student body. As the largest student event on campus, it will be well-positioned to serve as one of the most exciting sesquicentennial events of the year. As Aiden explained, this will be accomplished by centering the 150th in art and event spaces, acquiring a well-known headliner, involving the campus community in planning efforts, and broadening the event’s draw to address concerns and make Llama “more than just a party.” Here are a few of the changes to expect:
The committee has created daytime programming for students and community members, such as cornhole, ping pong and yoga on the quad. Other activities will include a communal artwork piece and many meal options, focusing on bringing in culturally rich, local food. Students can commemorate the event with Llama merch and exclusive products celebrating CC’s 150th year.
Booking performers accounts for most of the funding proposal, with around $32,000 requested. Aiden says that the most substantial piece of student feedback they receive every year involves people asking for a “bigger artist.” In an attempt to involve the campus community, Llama committee members tabled in Worner and collected artist suggestions, which prompted them to reach out to people like Kendrick Lamar. They have already spoken to other more prominent singers, including Del Water Gap, Aaron May and Jeremy Zucker. This budget increase would also allow the committee to compensate student bands properly.
Although there are a few wrinkles to be ironed out regarding inclement weather and mobility concerns, CCSGA members favored the proposal. They voted to pass the fund increase, which will come from the group’s nearly million-dollar reserve.
After hearing from the Llama representatives, each CCSGA committee met to discuss their current projects. The Finance Committee was primarily concerned with contracting for funds given to student groups, clubs, and, most recently, athletics.
The Student Life Committee published its first newsletter right before Thanksgiving break, highlighting clubs, introducing executive members and sharing grant links. Student reps continue to attend food advisory meetings and monitor student feedback on housing and Bon Appetit. They are also negotiating with Sodexo and Aunt Flow, a company that produces menstrual products, as leaders try to get a menstrual product distribution process going.
Passion project proposals continue to be reviewed, approved, and funded, and CCSGA would like to remind anyone interested to apply for a grant.
Internal Affairs hosted a table talk on Tuesday, Dec. 10, where students were given free donuts and an opportunity to share feedback and criticisms of CCSGA. The committee updates the website and markets new initiatives like the upcoming Uber pilot program.
The Outreach Committee hosted their panel for college readiness on Monday at Palmer High School. Their Uber pilot program is launching for Blocks 5 and 6, and the link to apply is now active. The committee is also looking ahead to next semester and plans to have an event every block focused on engaging with the Colorado Springs community.