From ‘SIB’ to co-chair, student comes full circle

Krista Tacey

Sandy Burkhardt had an interest in Sibs Weekend as soon as she arrived on campus her freshman year.

“I had an interest in the program because I had never experienced it before … I knew that it was such a huge event on campus,” said the St. Clair Shores senior, who is helping to plan the 46th annual event.

Sibs Weekend, which will be from Feb. 6 to Feb. 8, has a theme of “Out of this World.” Registration for the weekend begins today at stulife.cmich.edu or at the Office of Student Life. Committees will meet at 2 p.m. Friday in Powers Hall Room 136.

Burkhardt knew about the program because she had an older sister and cousins who came to CMU, but was never a participant in Sibs Weekend.

So she decided to get involved to see what it was about. She joined the general committee and then joined the registration committee her freshman year.

She helped with entering the correct information for each participant and helping out the day of registration.

After that first experience, Burkhardt decided to help out in following years. She worked her way up to becoming a registration chair, surpassing juniors and seniors who also applied for the position.

“It was a lot of work, but it was very rewarding,” Burkhardt said.

After her successful experience as registration chair, Burkhardt decided her junior year to aim high and apply to become a co-chair of Sibs Weekend. After multiple interviews she received the position.

“It was kind of overwhelming at first, but I think we did a good job … it tested me to see how far I could go and see how much I could handle,” Burkhardt said.

Last year, the Sibs Weekend chairwomen, Burkhardt and Sterling Heights senior Carolyn Seppey, received a letter from Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe congratulating them on a job well done.

“They (Burkhardt and Seppey) were brought back because of the great job that they did,” said Damon Brown, coordinator of student activities. “They have great leadership, good skills and communication abilities.”

The Core Committee consists of CMU students who are focused on certain areas to help bring Sibs Weekend to life. From entertainment to logistics to special events, these committees work to make the event a success.

“Sibs Weekend is one of CMU’s oldest traditions,” Brown said. “It connects siblings with students … and it’s fun for everyone.”

Sibs Weekend is something that Burkhardt loves to do, which is why she stays involved.

“I didn’t join Sibs or want to be the co-chair for the recognition or for the title. I did it because I enjoy working with people and planning events,” she said. “I think the weekend is a great time and a great thing to have on campus.”

Burkhardt is a graduating senior with a degree in Integrated Public Relations and Communications and minors in journalism and leadership.

Burkhardt also is finding time in her busy schedule to work part-time at Masonic Pathways, a senior living center in Alma.

However, Burkhardt is famous for one thing only.

“Everyone knows me as the Sibs person,” Burkhardt said. “It’s good to be associated with something that people have a positive image about.”

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