Photo Courtesy of Carley McGovern. Pictured above, students color on the giant NACA poster. 

The National Association of College Activities (NACA) hosts multiple conferences a year for colleges to visit and see activities they could potentially bring to their campus. The St. Ambrose Campus Activities Board (CAB) goes to one of these conferences every year to find new and exciting activities for SAU students. 

Not only is this a great opportunity for the St. Ambrose campus, it is also an opportunity for CAB leadership to have fun and enjoy some entertainment. 

Photo Courtesy of Carley McGovern. Pictured above, CAB Co-Vice President Ella Schmidt is called on stage to participate in a magic act.

While CAB members traveled to St. Paul, Minnesota for last year’s conference, this year they headed to the state capitol, Des Moines. The CAB executive board and Advisor Jason Richter started their fun-filled weekend on Thursday with the opening showcase. 

Across the three day conference, student leaders and advisors have the opportunity to listen to educational sessions, watch showcases, personally interact with performers and activities in the marketplace, and book performances and activities. 

A notable educational session discussed the importance of self-care for student leaders to avoid burnout. Dr. Joshua “Jay” Fredenburg gave SAU CAB members great ideas for self-care such as setting boundaries and creating a daily motivational routine. 

CAB saw a wide variety of acts during the showcases. These acts included comedy, music, spoken word, mentalism, magic, lectures, hypnotists, and contortionism. 

CAB members were very impressed by musician Rayvon Owen, who captivated the audience with his unique style of R&B music and stunning vocals. 

Photo Courtesy of Carley McGovern. Pictured above, Rayvon Owen performs for the Friday Spotlight Showcase. 

In addition to this, CAB members were thoroughly entertained by comedians Derrick Knopsnyder and Cam Bertrand. Contortionist and Comedian Jonathan Burns also stunned the audience by entering the stage zipped in a suitcase. He continued to impress with his chaotically unhinged comedy and contortion tricks. 

Photo Courtesy of Carley McGovern. Pictured above, Contortionist and Comedian Jonathan Burns enters the stage from a zipped suitcase. 

 Second-time NACA attendee and Co-Vice President of CAB Ella Schmidt says her favorite part of NACA are the showcases. “They have a variety of different acts so anybody can find something that they like.” She also says the marketplace is a great place to make connections and find the right acts for your school. 

The Marketplace offers opportunities for students and advisors alike to network with other universities and potential acts. 

Returning NACA attendee Matt Ardaugh says the marketplace is one of his favorite parts of NACA. “I’ve gotten to network with so many people at the marketplace. It’s been a great opportunity.” 

In addition to providing a chance to speak to different acts, CAB members were able to try out new “take-and-make” activities and experience magician’s tricks up close. SAU CAB members also spoke to the company Promotions & Unicorns, Too, who may be providing the SAU campus with personalized Crocs Jibbitz. 

CAB is hoping to book Musician Rayvon Owen and Comedian Derrick Knopsnyder. Co-Vice President Schmidt proposed Owen for a paint and sip event, similar to an event last semester with singer Emma Jude. Students can check out Owen’s music here: Rayvon Owen – “Faraway Lover” (Official Visualizer)

The CAB executive board is thinking of bringing Knopsnyder to campus for a potential comedy week sometime in the fall semester. Students can check out Knopsnyder’s standup acts here: College Comedian: Derrick Knopsnyder: 1-800-993-NEON

Another potential act CAB may book for next year is Jonathan Burns, comedian and contortionist, who has actually performed at SAU twice before. Students can check out Burns here: Jonathan Burns Comedy Contortionist FUN-TASTIC!! | America’s Got Talent 2019 Audition

While planning for next year has already begun, CAB still has some big events in store for the end of this semester. Students should look out for the Llama Lineup, Food Truck Fest, the Blood Drive, and May Day BINGO. At BINGO, there will be an opportunity to fill out a survey so students can give their input on past and future CAB events. Keep an eye out for fliers and text “CAB” to 71444 for text updates!