Music festival Wallypalooza will return this year even though its namesake -- former UPUA Programming Chairman Mike Wallace -- stepped down from his position Wednesday night.
Those who enjoyed Asher Roth's performance last May have nothing to worry about, student leaders say. The planning of Wallypalooza is still a priority with University Park Undergraduate Association President Gavin Keirans, new UPUA Programming Chairwoman Leanna Usnik and other student government members, who say they'll continue the festival not only named for Wallace (senior-economics) but formerly organized by him.
That said, whether or not the name "Wallypalooza" will remain is still undetermined, Keirans (senior-business management) said.
Wallace will still be involved in planning, sitting on an outside coordination committee. He says he is excited to have a part in planning the concert.
"Basically, I could kind of use my time and my efforts to focus on one thing, as opposed to the multitude of issues that UPUA members have to address and worry about," Wallace said.
Wallace said his resignation was largely due to a heavy academic load and various senior year responsibilities, such as looking for a post-graduation job.
"UPUA is a huge time commitment and rightfully so," Wallace said. "I knew that I was unable to perform the duties of the programming chairman and of any UPUA representative to the best of my ability, and so I decided to resign."
Keirans said he understood Wallace's decision.
"Mike did a great job, and we really appreciated him this year and last year," Keirans said. "He had a heavy academic load. He really made the decision with the best interest of UPUA in mind."
Not long after Wallace's resignation, UPUA appointed Usnik (sophomore-biobehavioral health) as the new programming chairwoman. Keirans said Usnik is the best fit for the position, which focuses on planning UPUA-related events.
News of Wallace's resignation came as a surprise to Movin' On director Tim Haynes. Movin' On is also a free spring concert for students.
Though the two events are similar, Haynes said no true rivalry exists between them.
"I still wish Wallypalooza the best of luck, and we're happy to help out the best we can," Haynes (junior-energy, business and finance) said. "I'm sad to hear that he stepped down, but I'm sure they'll still do great, and we'll be there rooting for them."
