By Christina Cooke ’10

Based out of the Office of Student Affairs, a new initiative called “the Big Diehl” offers a greater breadth of weekend programming for students seeking alternative entertainment options for little or no cost. Named after Rhodes’ founding president Charles E. Diehl, the Big Diehl sponsors about ten events per semester, including discount tickets to Memphis Grizzlies games, Texas Hold ’Em Poker tournaments in the Lynx Lair and even transportation and admission to Sugar Mountain ski resort in Avery, NC.

Students have responded very positively. Almost all events sell out or are filled to capacity just moments after event registration becomes available to the student body. In fact, for the ski trip, a long line began forming outside the Student Affairs office a full hour before sign-ups even started!

“The line was crazy,” says Katie Grills, a participant on the Big Diehl’s ski trip. “But it was worth it. Once I got there, I quickly realized that I’m actually no good at skiing, but having the opportunity to take a break from work and to breathe the crisp mountain air was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had this semester.”

Other events include more culturally- and educationally-minded outings, such as free tours of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music here in Memphis and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, AR.

“I really like how the Big Diehl is so focused on getting people off campus and out experiencing new things,” continues Grills. “Taking a break from Rhodes every now and then is definitely important, and all these trips are so refreshing and exciting and, most importantly, cheap. I mean, how much better can it get?”

For a full listing of upcoming events, please visit the Big Diehl website.