A Request For Responsibility During This Year’s Apple Blossom Festival

The following message was sent to students on April 25, 2025:

Dear students,

The city of Winchester is gearing up for the 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, with the 10-day celebration beginning today, April 25.

If this isn’t your first Apple Blossom, you’ll recognize many of the events at this year’s festival. Community favorites such as the Apple Blossom Carnival, and the Firefighters’ and Grand Feature parades (the latter will feature the SU Marching Band!) make their return, and there are plenty of other opportunities to enjoy some food, music, dancing and socializing throughout the week. Shenandoah University is also excited to once again host the McDonald’s Esports Tournament in the Esports Arena on Sunday, April 27.

As always, Shenandoah University is celebrating the Apple Blossom season with a couple of events on main campus. Thursday, May 1, will see the return of the Campus Activity Network’s T-shirt Giveaway and Tie-Dye Party, and on Saturday, May 2, the Shenandoah University Blossom Bash will take place from 11 a.m.-2p.m. in the Brandt Student Center parking lot.

I hope that everyone has a chance to participate in the festivities, both on campus and within the Winchester community. I also want to take this time to remind you that you’re expected to act responsibly and to represent Shenandoah University in the best possible way.

Over the next 10 days, you’ll make choices regarding alcohol, drugs, and your behavior. Even as you’re celebrating off campus, please remember to follow Shenandoah University’s Code of Conduct, as well as state laws, and be a model citizen to those around you.

If you need help for yourself or others, the Department of Campus Safety is available around the clock; please call 540-678-4444 for assistance (please note that number is also on the back of your student ID card). If you notice a student displaying behavior that may affect another student’s ability to succeed in the university environment, please fill out a Student of Concern form. If you or someone around you is experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

It’s important to maintain and uphold the safety and security of Shenandoah University, as well as the broader Winchester community. While I hope that everyone makes long-lasting, positive memories during this year’s Apple Blossom Festival, I want to emphasize that this is not a time to do harm to yourself or others, or to put your good academic standing or future goals at risk. 

Please enjoy the celebrations this year, and do so safely, ethically and responsibly. I know that you’ll make good decisions, and that you’ll continue to look out for each other.

Thank you for continuing to demonstrate what it means to be a member of the Shenandoah University community. Keep up the great work!

Dr. Sue O’Driscoll

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students