From noon to midnight on Friday, Memorial Union celebrates the holiday season with Winterfest. An evening with Jennette McCurdy will be accompanied by winter-themed activities and events.
McCurdy’s acting career, personal life, and the success of her new book, I’m Glad My Mom Died, will be discussed in a moderated discussion. Student Union Board President Hannah Wilson will lead this.
“She just published a book, so it’s difficult because she’s just going on a journey around the book and going out and talking constantly,” said student council president Brooklyn Border. It was wonderful to be able to include us in her process. It definitely came as a surprise when she said yes, but I’m also super excited that she’s coming and sharing it with us. .”
The memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died” is based on McCurdy’s one-woman show of the same name. She is best known for playing Sam Puckett on Nickelodeon’s ‘iCarly’ and ‘Sam and Cat’. The book dives into her being a child actress and the abusive relationship she had with her mother that forced her into this career.
The book sold out within 24 hours at major retailers Amazon, Target, Barnes and Noble. In his first month on the market, the book became a New York Times bestseller. Her complicated relationship with her co-star Ariana Grande and a character called “The Creator,” who appears to be Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider, is also addressed.
“We talk about what she says in the book and about our experiences with her,” said Kenna Smith, vice president of membership for the Student Union Committee. She added, “Whatever she really wants to share with us. I think she gives us advice, too.”
Discussion will begin at 8pm. Pre-event activities include trivia, swing dancing, karaoke, and a photo booth. A tree lighting ceremony will also be held on the Central Campus from 6pm. The evening will then conclude with skating at the Ames Ice Arena. Admission is free for the first 800 people, and rentals are also available.
Tickets for activities are free, but an evening with Jennette McCurdy is $15 for the general public and $7 for students.
