FAB: The History

FAB Apple Picking Trip

The founding of FAB goes back to the fall of 1993. The idea grew out of discussions with Steve Watter, Randy Milden Dr. David Ramirez, Rob Wellen '96 and James LeVan '95. Jim was the outgoing head of JSAAPP and Rob was the incoming one. That fall, Rob was told there was no money for a student activities director (which Bryn Mawr had as did almost every other college in the country). So, with approval from the Deans Office, JSAAPP put together the idea for FAB. A contest was held to name this silly, fledging organization that would plan non-alcoholic activities. Rob's roommate at the time, John Agnew '96, coined the term FAB ('Fords Against Boredom)! Despite what another roommate called "an idiotic name," plans moved ahead.

A truly ad hoc committee became the first FAB. Not much was done that fall, with the exception of planning a 1980s themed dance. The group continued to grow after Rob and his committee (John Agnnew '96, Rachel Levy '96 and a few of Rob's other friends) stepped down. Matt Unterman '97 and Kevin Mulhern '97 became the next heads of FAB, and, with help from the Students Council, were successful in having Haverford’s first Student Activities Coordinator hired. Kristi Littel '94, the College’s first Student Activities Coordinator, helped FAB continue to grow. In the spring of 1997, Kevin and Matt stepped down as heads of FAB, and Elliot Targum '99 and Jon McCandlish '99 stepped into the role.

After Kristi's departure, Zach First '97 took the helm as the next Student Activities Coordinator. Zach approached Elliot and Jon with the idea of combining forces through FAB to make Haverford's campus social life better than ever. Everyone loved the idea, so Zach became a standing member of FAB. Kate Smolenski '98 and Howard Glasser '00 were then appointed by Students Council as the first-ever FAB reps, and the all-new, better than ever FAB was born!

In 2000, Zach departed and Amy Ham was hired as the new Student Activities Coordinator. Amy continued to help grow FAB by having them run the weekly Film Series which has become a staple in the lives of students on the weekend. Also during the time that Amy was in the position, FAB membership was transformed into ‘lifetime appointments’ and the role of head(s) was dissolved (in the Haverford spirit!).

In 2006, Jason McGraw took over as the Director of Student Activities and has pledged to continue the many great traditions established by FAB and help grow new ones! Since, FAB has increased the number of trips off-campus and into Philadelphia, including sports, concert, and arts venues, and developed an e-ticketing system – HaverTicket – so students may sign-up for such trips.

As it has since 1993, Fords Against Boredom coordinates, organizes, and funds alcohol-free events for Haverford students. When the opportunity arises, FAB will collaborate with other clubs to co-host events – so email a member of FAB if you have an idea!

Our mission is to provide free activities to 'Fords that will allow them to have fun, meet new people, and do something a little bit different than what they might normally do on a Friday or Saturday night. We take this mission very seriously, and we always welcome feedback and ideas for new events!