Closing Southampton College to “Laugh It Up” With Long Island Comedians

Closing Southampton College to “Laugh It Up” With Long Island Comedians

Southampton, NY (PRWEB) April 9, 2005 -

With Southampton College only weeks away from ending its undergraduate programs for financial reasons, there is not much to smile about on the Long Island University campus. However, the school’s Department of Student Activites and Long Island comedian Evan Wecksell are looking to change that. On Monday, April 25 at Wood Hall, Wecksell headlines “Laugh It Up,” a free comedy event to boost the morale and tickle the funny bone of the Southampton community.

“Last fall, I saw an article about the school’s situation and had to do something,” Wecksell said. “These students still care about the school and as long as the doors are open they deserve to be entertained.”

Given’s the school financial situation, Wecksell volunteered his time to do the show, and then asked some other Long Island comedians to do the same. Response was overwhelmingly positive as the funny volunteers included Billy Bingo, also a retired New York City firefighter, WBLI’s Will Vought and Joe DeVito.

“It’s wonderful that there are comedians like Evan Wecksell who are willing to donate their time and talents for the students and staff of Southampton College,” says Tara McCarthy, Director of Student Activities. “Evan not only volunteered, but also recruited others to join him in this endeavor. We are grateful for the generosity and look forward to the performance.”

Last year, Long Island University (LIU) announced the closing of its undergraduate programs on the Southampton campus. The LIU Board noted that Southampton College has a 77 million-dollar debt, and the deficit is draining LIU’s other campuses at CW Post and Brooklyn. Despite the school’s attempts to raise money, increase enrollment and ask for faculty givebacks, all efforts have been unsuccessful.

Southampton College was established in 1963 by Long Island University at the invitation, and with the financial support, of community leaders of eastern Long Island. The College grew quickly during the mid 1960s and soon established a national reputation for its Marine Science program. Using the Long Island University Plan, a program that emphasizes close and continuing guidance for each student, the College focuses on small class size with informal, congenial faculty-student relationships.

“Laugh It Up” takes place on Monday, April 25 at 9:00 PM at Southampton College’s The Cove in Wood Hall. Southampton College is located at 239 Montauk Highway, Southampton, NY 11968. The show is free for all Southampton students and faculty. Scheduled to perform are Evan Wecksell, Billy Bingo, Joe DeVito, Danny Leavy, Tom Kelly and Will Vought.

About Evan Wecksell:

Stand-up Comedian and Singer/Songwriter Evan Wecksell is the freshest young talent to emerge out of New York’s most notorious comedy clubs and is often compared to comedic superstars Adam Sandler and Stephen Lynch. Evan’s quick wit and interpersonal skills combined with his talent for physical comedy make this three-time Long Island Laff-Off finalist an engaging and hysterical performer. Currently, Evan is touring the greater Los Angeles area in support of his first CD release “Live at the Bitter End.” For more information on Evan Wecksell please visit http://www.EvanWecksell.com.

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