Sprawled across the lawn as the sun set over the Lakefill, a crowd gathered in front of Kahn Pavilion on Sunday for the third annual SAGEfest, hosted by Survivor Advocacy through Greek Engagement.
Founded in 2023 by Medill senior Shravya Pant and Communication senior Rose Hunskor, SAGE is an organization that aims to advocate against — and provide resources to prevent — sexual violence in Greek life.
The event raised over $3,000 for Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault, a crisis center providing aid and services to survivors of sexual assault and those close to them.
“It’s seeing everything that we idealize at SAGE come to fruition, and seeing all of these people who show that they care about our mission,” Weinberg junior and incoming SAGE co-President Nico Bers said.
SAGEfest featured student performers including a cappella groups THUNK and Extreme Measures, as well as student bands Butterfly Effect and Nosedive.
Communication junior and Extreme Measures member Ani Lawit said the group dedicated its performance to Weinberg junior Evan Hirschensohn, who recently died of cancer.
“We’re starting with a Billie Eilish medley – Evan especially loved Billie Ellish and had a Billie Eilish song in his Instagram bio, so feel free to sing along or dance,” Lawit said to the audience. “I know he would have loved it.”
Weinberg sophomore Eric Tang said he came to SAGEfest with a friend to support one of the performers. He said the event — particularly its location — surpassed his expectations.
“I think this is a great use of the Kahn Pavilion, especially the lawn,” Tang said.
SESP sophomore and incoming SAGE co-President Kathryn Asiel said SAGE frequently hosts open meetings, community service and fundraisers to expand awareness about sexual violence in Greek life.
The organization aims “to empower survivors, foster allyship and a culture of consent, and promote a violence-free Greek life experience for all,” according to its Instagram bio.
Still, Bers said the event wasn’t limited to Greek life members because SAGE’s mission impacts the entire student body.
“The goal is not just only for improving Greek life culture, but also our school culture and Northwestern culture as a whole,” Bers said.
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated which student bands performed at the event. The Daily regrets this error.
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