A warm day on campus brought students to the Natali Student Center to learn more about the opportunities to get involved at Cal U.
- Krista Wentz represents Gamma Sigma Sigma.
- Travel Club members Emily Bard (left), Hailey Schragl and Leah Shafron.
- Jordan Gorham at the Cal U Women United booth.
- Hannah Buttermore gets info on the University Players theater group.
- Zechariah Ingram discusses Psychology Club opportunities.
The Fall Club and Organization Fair took place on a warm day on campus — and student interest and energy was even hotter.
With more than 110 clubs and organizations, Cal U offers groups that will fit many interests, including academics, faith and religion, volunteering, sports, the arts, and event planning.
Extracurricular involvement is more than just a good time. It can improve a student’s time-management and professional skills and can be a great item on a resume.
The fair is an ideal way for new students to find out what’s available to them as well as helping clubs and organizations increase membership.
Junior Angela VanGorder, president of the Judo and Self Defense Club, benefited from the fair when she was a new student.
“I always wanted to do martial arts, found out about it at the fair, joined it to make friends and have never regretted it,” said the dual major in mechatronics and technical studies. “We’ve had many people stop by today, and this is so worth it.”
First-year students Derrica Kuhns, a criminal justice major and featured twirler with the Cal U Marching band, and Michelle Douglas, a digital media communications majored, checked out the options.
“There’s a lot to look at, and I really enjoy it here,” Kuhns said. “Once the fall (band) season ends, I know I will have more time to do more clubs, and I’m getting a good feel of what’s out there today.”
Douglas added: “I’m interested in joining the Printmaking Club and am not sure what all I will get involved with, but being new, this is very helpful.”
Emily Bard, a senior sociology major and secretary and treasurer of the Travel Club, was thrilled to have had more than 75 students fill out inquiry forms at their table. The club is planning a three-day trip to New York city this fall and a series of day trips to such places as Ohiopyle State Park and Deep Creek, Md.
“We are very excited because we have new officers who have a lot of different plans with a very good communication level,” she said. “We believe we have a lot of things to get people interested, and today is a great way to let many students know what we have to offer.”