Photo courtesy of Tommy Ball. Image description: Two people sign a paper at a table while talking to two others at Richer Commons.
On August 29th, a sunny Thursday afternoon, Westminster University students scrambled around Richer Commons, looking for clubs to join.
Jake Smith, the Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Belonging who coordinated Westminster’s Involvement Fair, said over 25 clubs and organizations were on display for students.
“There’s a pretty healthy group of clubs around campus right now, and hopefully it can grow to be bigger and bigger,” Smith said.
The Involvement Fair gathered a large number of students who surveyed the tables, many of whom signed up for different campus clubs and organizations.
A new club on campus that gained attention was the Fiber Arts Club. Indra Krueger, a sophomore justice studies major who ran the Fiber Arts table, was happy about the engagement they received in such a short time.
Photo courtesy of Tommy Ball. Image description: Roughly 20 tables with people sitting behind them are arranged in a large rectangle as students walk through the center.
The Fiber Arts Club has a different format compared to other clubs offered on campus, according to Krueger.
“We’re like a hobby club, rather than doing this academic thing […] it’s a lot more about hanging out while we work on making a little something, [to] have a nice little community,” Krueger said.
Olivia Tausinga, a first-year psychology major, was another student who joined a non-academic club at the fair.
“I’m joining this Christian Bible study club, and I’m really excited about that,” Tausinga said, referring to the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Club.
Photo courtesy: Tommy Ball. Image description: Two students sign papers while two others stand and watch behind the table littered with suckers, cans of sparkling water, and flyers.
Plenty of first-years explored their options, including Collin Curtis, a neuroscience major and member of the Neuroscience Club and Pre-Professional Health Club.
“I’m just really interested in the brain […] and the Pre-Professional Health [Club] is really good for trying to get people into Med school,” Curtis said.
Joining a Westminster club or organization can help students feel more comfortable on campus, according to Jake Smith, Assistant Director of Students and Belonging.
“Find a way to make Westminster your home away from home. College is such a transformative experience with so much learning going on. I encourage all students to check out a club or go to a meeting!” Smith said.
