Students explore new interests at annual involvement fair

Hundreds of students gathered at the Student Center Patio for Eastern’s annual Student Involvement Fair and President’s Picnic on Sept. 3. The event included 100 clubs, organizations, departments, and campus partners, as well as a wide variety of food options.

According to Student Center and Student Activities Director Casey Kensey, more than 700 students attended the fair.  

“We had some great turnout; it was great to see all the students signing up for new involvement,” said Samuel Fagerquist, graduate intern for student organizations and operations. 

First-year students showed interest in various organizations, from clubs related to their major, such as the Eastern Student Nursing Association, to recreational activities such as the Gardening Club.   

One participating club was Freedom at Eastern, an organization focusing on advocacy and building safe spaces for immigrant students at Eastern. Freedom President Gaby Santana explained that the club is open to students of any immigration status, including allies or anyone who is interested in learning how to support immigrants on campus.  

Another club that drew attention was Fashion Forward, the purpose of which is to promote creativity and self-expression through the arts of fashion and design.  

“We let people feel comfortable expressing themselves through fashion,” said Fashion Forward President Kat Crespo. “It doesn’t matter what style you have; anything you have in your closet works.” Fashion Forward hosts many events, including its fall gala, photoshoots, and auditions for its spring fashion show. 

The event also included global organizations such as Letters of Love, whose purpose is to write cards providing emotional support to children battling cancer and other serious illnesses in children's hospitals. The Eastern chapter of Letters of Love was awarded New Club of the Year by the Office of Student Activities.