On the outside, Crystal Goss may look like an average student walking around campus. Looks can be deceiving. The fourth-year event planning major is balancing being a student while serving as the face of one of the biggest student-run cultural celebrations on campus.
Goss is currently the director of Soulfest, a multicultural extravaganza and outdoor concert event which celebrates the different cultures present on our campus. The theme for Soulfest 2011 is “The Untold Story of A Timeless SOUL.” The event is a part of our Homecoming celebration.
Soulfest has two components – the event’s philanthropy and a talent show. The 3rd annual blood drive takes place from Oct. 3rd to Oct. 21 and the talent show and outdoor concert is scheduled for Oct. 21.
As the events director, Goss works with a team of more than 50 people on the homecoming committee and leads her own personal staff of more than 40 people that helps with the philanthropy and the actual execution of Soulfest.
When asked about the huge amount of work and dedication it takes to be in her position, Goss smiled and said, “I absolutely LOVE what I do!”
It took a lot of commitment to get where she is today.
“I started off as a staff member for Soulfest during my freshman year and patronized the rest of UF Homecoming events. By my junior year I held an Assistant Director position and now I am most humbled to hold the position of 2011 Soulfest Director,” she said.
Goss has faced some challenges while planning the event; the biggest being making sure that the event represents all the cultural groups on campus.
“I want each and every cultural group to be represented in some way, shape or form. But most importantly I want to produce a show that feels good to the SOUL. Whether it is food or the music, or a culmination of them both,” Goss said.
Goss and the rest of her staff look forward to a great event that will please everyone in attendance. When asked what she plans on doing after the event she giggles and proclaims, “Finally catch up on some sleep!”
While serving as director of Soulfest, Goss is also involved in other organizations on campus.
She is currently an active member of SAVANT UF Leadership Honorary and the Black Student Union. She also served as the 2nd Vice President of the Lambda Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Socials Chair.