Students drawn to annual Student Activities Fair by campus clubs, resources, and free food

Students stand around the booth set up by Memorial Healthcare Services, which operates the hospital in Seward.

Photo credit: Natalie Guske

By Natalie Guske

Students flocked to Cattle Conference Room on the night of Sept. 2 to explore the offerings of the 23rd Annual Student Activities Fair, perusing tables representing campus clubs, Concordia resources, area churches and local businesses.

While the fair drew in many new students who were curious about the different clubs and organizations on campus, many returning students also showed up to see what they might be missing.

“I’m [already with] the ASL club, but campus ministry is on my list [to sign up for] because it’s always nice to know what they’re doing and see if I can get involved,” sophomore Eunice Clausing said. “I’m also looking [to sign up] for Concordia Youth Ministry and maybe swing dance, [depending on] my schedule.”

Many of the clubs that were in attendance are open to all students, offering the chance for them to step outside their comfort zones and try something new. American Sign Language club secretary sophomore Elizabeth Crawford remarked that club leaders encourage people who don’t know ASL to come to their socials so that they can learn.

“It’s a super fun experience for everyone to learn a new language, [especially one] that’s unique [like ASL],” Crawford said.

Some clubs in attendance also appealed to students by listing their fun events throughout the year, such as the IMPROVables’ 24-hour IMPROVathon or a PowerPoint night hosted by the Curtain Club. Junior Claire Horacek, a member of both, also mentioned the practical skills that students could gain by joining a club like IMPROVables that fostered quick thinking skills.

“Improv is really great [for] any profession that has to deal with people,” Horacek said. “[In most jobs] you have to present in front of people and talk to people. Improv is a really great way to build those interpersonal skills because you’re basically making up conversation on the spot.”

When browsing the fair’s vast selection of clubs, students also had the opportunity to visit tables set up by area churches and other local organizations, such as Bryan Urgent Care, situated in downtown Seward.

“[We’re here] to let students know that there’s another option for healthcare in the community if they need it,” said Jill Beisel, a physician’s assistant at Bryan. “[We see] students all the time [since] it seems like Student Health is pretty busy; we’re good for overflow and the weekends.”

With candy scattered on most of the club tables and many of the churches handing out free snacks, food was also a big part of the allure for students to attend the fair. However, even if free food was a main motivator for some to attend, most found the visit to be well worth it.

“My favorite part of the convention was the food,” sophomore Caleb O’Connor said. “But I also [liked the] pop-up for the National Guard Museum and what it had to offer. I’ll definitely have to [visit] and take a look someday.”