by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson
There are more than 100 student-led groups and organizations
at Dickinson, and that number is growing. The best way to be in the know, as
you carve out your place on campus? Activities Fair.
Held at the start of the fall and spring semesters,
Activities Fair brings new and veteran students face-to-face with fellow Dickinsonians
who are involved in a wide array of clubs
and organizations. So if you’re not
sure what Belles Lettres or Jive Turkeys are all about, or how to get in the Dog House, or what
a cappella auditions are really like, you simply walk up to that club’s table
and ask.
Just pick your passion: You’ll find sports clubs; media, performing-arts,
academic and faith-based groups; community service and leadership
opportunities; and special-interest pursuits, such outdoor excursions, video
games, anime, social justice, cycling, DIY culture, sustainability,
horsemanship and much more. Many are old favorites, but there are always a few
new organizations in the mix. Those making their debut at the spring fair included
Project
Storytime and Composed, which bring books and music to local
schoolchildren, and I am That Girl, the Dickinson chapter of a national
nonprofit that aims to empower young women.
While
attendees learned about campus organizations, the club leaders boosted
memberships and got the word out about new and upcoming activities,
social-media campaigns, giveaways and social events. Many, such as Multi-Organizational
Board (MOB) marketing chair Matt Wenz ‘17, used the opportunity to solicit
feedback and suggestions—a huge benefit for an organization that programs
campuswide movies, concerts and other live entertainment throughout the
academic year, and is always on the hunt for the next big act.
Wenz, an American-studies
major, worked the tables for MOB and for the Tritons, which he serves as a
board member. He also is a first-year
mentor and a member of the college’s jazz band and chamber ensembles.
As Wenz noted, each organization has provided exceptional opportunities
throughout his time on campus. “There
is so much to try and experience, and getting involved in co-curriculars and
activities can truly define your experience here,” he said, “whether meeting
new people, developing new interests and skills or working with others to
develop something for the benefit of the campus.
“It’s
nice to be able to show others how rewarding [these opportunities are], and
Activities Fair is the first step in the process.”
Published January 22, 2015