With the second semester in full swing, deadlines are demanding attention and shutting down your daydreams about day-drinking at the three classic McGill MDODEs (multi-day organized drinking events) that have come and gone. Carnival, Science Games, and E-Week filled our add-drop days with warm beers and warm hearts in January, but what will we do to cope during the post-midterms, pre-finals limbo that is the end of March? If you’re stuck worrying about where your next Sleeman will come from, read below for an exclusive interview with Clark Thomson, the man behind your next campus bender: Faculty Olympics.
Erin McNeill for Her Campus McGill (HC McGill): First things first, could you describe FACO?
Clark Thomson (CT): FACO is an interfaculty event based on three pillars: athletics, academics, and alcohol. It’s an opportunity for people to meet others within their faculty and experience the event planning and social life aspect that SSMU has to offer.
HC McGill: You’ve been involved in several other organizing other campus events such as BDA, Frosh, SIC, and Carnival – what is your position this time in regards to FACO?
CT: I’m the Internal Logistics Coordinator for SSMU.
HC McGill: What exactly does that position entail?
CT: I help the SSMU VP Internal with aspects of their portfolio related to event planning; this involves running SSPN (Student’s Society Programming Network), helping organize and implement events like Faculty Olympics, Grad Frosh, and the SSMU General Assembly.
HC McGill: When are the dates of FACO this year?
CT: It’s March 18th-22nd!
HC McGill: What are some of the events that FACO participants can expect during the week?
CT: We run a variety of events including dodgeball, Beer Olympics, newlyweds, fear of food, a spelling bee and MCAT, Case Crack, debates, and we’re hoping to include a talent show this year. One of the nights we do a DUSTED (drinking unsuspecting small town establishments dry) event at a secret venue.
HC McGill: DUSTED is always one of the best events, in my opinion, and in my first year it was at Beach Club, which was super fun and so cool to see during the winter! It was like Igloofest but warmer. Also, speaking of newlyweds, we were a team for that in our second year – would you care to comment on your experience?
CT: (Laughing) It was ICONIC – we got 4 out of 5 questions right and the ONLY QUESTION we got wrong you should have known! It was absolutely ridiculous that you said your eyes were your best quality when it’s very obviously your butt.
HC McGill: Our mutual love for Shania Twain almost held us together in the favourite song question. But anyway, back to FACO – what has your favourite theme been?
CT: My favourite theme is actually one I’ve pushed for multiple years but haven’t seen come to fruition: FACO on the Farm!! I’m still pushing for it!
HC McGill: I love that idea! I would 100% participate in that. Now for some other FACO faves, tell me, what’s your favourite event?
CT: Boat races, clearly.
HC McGill: What about your best memory as a participant?
CT: I always love the scavenger hunt (lovingly referred to as the scunt) because it’s a really fun and unique way to meet people and do fun crazy stuff with friends that you already know as well! It gets you excited for the week that’s going to come.
HC McGill: Faculty fave for winning?
CT: I would like to see one of the smaller faculties pull off a win, like education or music, I think it would be great to get a new winner.
HC McGill: What would you offer as tips for those doing their first ever Faculty Olympics?
CT: I encourage people to go to as many events as possible while staying within their own comfort zone; there’s a misconception about organized events on campus that they’re all about drinking but they’re not — Faculty Olympics provides multiple day events that offer an opportunity for people who are less inclined to drink to participate in the social aspect of McGill.
HC McGill: As an organizer, what is the most exciting aspect for you?
CT: I think it’s always very gratifying to see people having a good time at an event implemented successfully when you’ve worked on it for so many months — FACO was the first event I was ever on committee for, so it has a special meaning to me as my first and last event I’ll coordinate at McGill.
HC McGill: Because we all know you were on Carnival Committee, I have to pose the question: Carnival or FACO?
CT: I can’t pick! But I will say this, they’re both amazing events for different reasons; Carnival because of its philanthropic aspect and its huge variety of events, but also FACO is a great event as it gives you an opportunity to participate in events with people in your faculty you might not have met otherwise.
HC McGill: To wrap up, is there anything else you would like to say about FACO?
CT: If you’re interested in joining a team for Faculty Olympics you can join an interest group, or keep your eyes out for free agent form!
Again, Faculty Olympics will be March 18th to 22nd. You can find more information here on the official event page.
Cover image obtained from interviewee.