Dorm of Doom delivers season excitement
ROTC uses abandoned dorms as setting for Halloween attraction
Louise Elliot
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: Culture
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Barry Akins, a sophomore from Jasper, Tenn., and coordinator of the event, said proceeds from admission help fund the military science department's training program.
"The haunted house idea came to me as a good way to raise money for us to buy training aids," Akins said. "Military science students are the driving force behind this."
He also said students paid for the décor and props for the attraction out of their own pockets.
"Each room was divided up between the squadron we have within our battalion," Akin said. "The rooms have themes, like the Vietnam room and surgical ward."
According to Akins, students use night vision goggles to traverse their way through the haunted house.
James Howard, a Chattanooga sophomore and military science student, said he thinks the Dorm of Doom is a great way to raise money for the funding challenge the military science department is facing.
"Our program has been kind of short on funds a lot because we're still considered a satellite program under UTK," Howard said. "They kick back funds to us when they can, but we've been kind of broke for the past few semesters."
Akins said the attraction had a great turnout last weekend and they are hoping to have a big crowd Halloween weekend.
Stephen Duff, a junior from Chattanooga, said he thinks the haunted house adds to the campus ambiance.
"I think students should come out and embrace the spirit of Halloween," Duff said.
Adam Russell, a Nashville sophomore, attended the Dorm of Doom Saturday and said he enjoyed it.
Atkins said the Dorm of Doom, which opened last weekend, is being held at Stagmeier Hall Oct. 30 and 31. According to Akins, doors will open at 7 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. Akins said admission for those with a student ID will be $3. For those without a student ID, admission will be $5.
Russell said this haunted attraction is better than similar ones that he has visited.
"It was certainly worth $3," Russell said.
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