While every other student is pulling out their notebooks in order to prepare for class, there is frequently one student who has the privilege of pulling out an iPad. 

Although a number of students are unable to afford this lavish item, many lucky participants will have the luxury of walking away with an iPad or other cool prizes Friday, May 4, at the Bird Shirt Finale.

Katy Killian, assistant to the vice president for Student Affairs for marketing and communication, explained that demonstrating school spirit by wearing the Bird Shirt is fairly new.

“The Bird Shirt launched in the Fall 2007 term as one more way for students and members of the university community to show their Redbird pride.  The tradition has been alive for five years and we’re already looking forward to next year.  Next year’s T-shirt design will be unveiled at the Bird Shirt Friday Finale on May 4,” Killian said.

Nija Givens, graduate assistant for Bone Student Center marketing, added that when she first came to the university she was unaware of the benefits associated with the Bird Shirt. However many people who wear their Bird Shirt on Friday have the opportunity to participate in “Bird Shirt Fridays” in the Bone Student Center.

“Sometimes you’ll get free breadsticks and a drink from Pizza Hut or a free cookie and a drink at McAllister’s. We have had 25 percent off skull candy headphones at TechZone and free snacks or food in the lobby shop,” Givens said.

Melissa Mamroth / Daily Vidette Senior Staff: Nija Givens, graduate assistant for Bone Student Center Marketing, explained the annual “Bird Shirt Friday Finale” in the Dean of Students Office on Monday afternoon.

“There are many different perks that you get. I don’t think I knew about it my freshman year or sophomore year when it first started but the deals are really good. My favorite deals are at McAllister’s just because I’m addicted to it,” she explained.

Students can purchase the Bird Shirt at Barnes & Noble, Illinois State University’s bookstore, or the Lobby Shop in the Bone Student Center.  Shirts are $9.99.

The Bone Student Center is celebrating the end of the semester and providing a relaxing event prior to finals week by hosting the Bird Shirt Friday Finale. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. students will be able to win grand prizes outside of TechZone and Barnes & Noble.   

“Students wearing a Bird Shirt can spin a prize wheel for a chance to win Chicago Cubs tickets, gift certificates, and prizes from Bone Student Center restaurants. There will be a free ice cream sundae bar from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Students who enter the grand prize drawing will have a chance to win an iPad 2, a $100 Barnes & Noble Illinois State University Bookstore shopping spree, a $50 Visa Giftcard, and more,” Killian added.

WZND will also be in attendance and students are required to be present when their name is called in order to retrieve prizes. Givens mentioned that it does not matter what year the students purchased their shirts because any edition of the Bird Shirt is allowed.

According to Givens, students should remember to bring their student I.D.

She added that ultimately the Bird Shirt became a way students could express their appreciation for this university and relate to the ISU community.

“Over the years it has gained importance as it has become kind of a tradition for ISU students and that’s kind of what they wanted it to be. Other schools have different things [that they traditionally do] they wanted something that ISU students could really rally behind,” Givens said.

“I think it’s a tradition because whether you wear it every Friday or not, it’s still always fun to be at like an airport in Atlanta and you look up and you see someone with a Bird Shirt on and you’re like ‘hey, that’s my school,’” she said.

“It’s just showing school spirit … why not get rewarded for showing school spirit. It’s a fun way to get people to kind of talk about it and relate to the student community,” Givens added.