Shippensburg University students explored new depths of friendship and community at this year’s Under the Sea Crab Fest hosted by the African American Organization, (Afro-Am.).

This year’s Crab Fest was a welcoming of freshmen and transfer students, as well as a celebration of the life of Aaron Laird, a paraplegic graduate student who died in late August.

Diane Jefferson, the director of Multicultural Student Affairs, remembered Laird for his dance moves, calling him “Mr. MSA” because he never missed an MSA event.

“He really loved being with all of us,” recalled Jefferson, remembering Laird’s enthusiastic involvement with MSA.

“When he came in, he could dance in his wheelchair. And I loved him, and I miss him right now,” Jefferson said. A crowd of students stood clustered in front of Seaver’s hockey rink, grasping to multicolored balloons, creating a sea of rainbow colors.

“He really loved being with all of us,” Jefferson said, clutching the microphone.

Laird’s fiancée, Holly Hensel, told students she was proud of her fiancé and that he is now dancing in heaven.

“Aaron, we’re going to do this for you,” Jefferson said, “Every event we do this year will be for him.”

After words of remembrance were spoken, students, friends and family released the balloons into the sky in honor of Laird.

Once the last balloon was released, Afro-Am officials invited students and alumni into the rink to enjoy crabs, buffet food, a live DJ and a signature, non-alcoholic, drink called “Blue Lagoon.” The crowd shuffled in and immediately occupied the music-filled space accompanied with the strong aroma of cooked crab.

The buffet offered a variety of food, such as hot wings, fried chicken, hotdogs, hamburgers, corn, potato wedges, broccoli and salad.

Beach-themed tables decorated with an array margarita, lighthouse, paper crabs and umbrella centerpieces filled quickly as the crowd sat to enjoy the food.

White and rainbow colored balloons decorated the space, banners hung on either side of the DJ booth, one of which displayed the words of Martin Luther King Jr.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

The DJ, DJSYN, played popular music such as “My Boo” by Usher and Alicia Keys, “Get Me Bodied” by Beyoncé, “Salt Shaker” by the Ying Yang Twins and “Tambourine Clean” by Eve.

Students danced in their chairs as they ate and took Snapchats of their crab dinners.

Crab Fest lured some students whose palates longed for tasty crustations, such as SU student Zaria Robinson, who ventured out at the prospect of the deep sea treat.

Others saw the event as a way to bring awareness to the importance of diversity on campus.

“I can’t help but notice there isn’t much integration here,” said SU transfer student Sarah Barninger. “People should be more aware of this diversity.”

Some students, such as Jileah Leake saw the fest as a new way to get out and meet friends.

Destiny Moore, a Leaders in Training member, hoped the event would give freshmen and transfer students a chance to gain understanding on what MSA has to offer students.

Afro-Am public relations officer Symphany Jones viewed Crab Fest as a way to welcome new people to campus.

“We’re doing it [Crab Fest] to bring everyone together,” Jones said.

Throughout the night, students continued returning to the buffet for seconds and thirds, some dancing their way over.

Children bounced balloons in the air as students and alumni mingled. The sound of music and chatter blended to create an energetic roar.

“I enjoyed it a lot,” SU alumnae Terrel Henry said. “The food was good and the atmosphere was just right.”

The crowd’s volume dimmed at the announcement of a raffle, which brought the night to a close.

Four students went home with baskets full of snacks and school supplies.

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