Sunshine, sweat, smiles and small talk accompanied the Student Involvement Fair Aug. 31.
The event, which ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted over 100 student clubs, organizations and services ranging everywhere from the Pre-Law Club to the Vegetarian Club, set up booths in a bazaar-like fashion on the quad located outside of the Rice Library.
Despite the nearly 100 degree weather the heat did not deter students from coming out to talk to various clubs and signing up for organizations.
“It’s here and there are cookies. I have no complex motivations for coming,” junior graphics design major Cherise Hawkins said.
Michael Whitehead, junior buisness administration major said he particularly enjoyed the Student Involvment Fair because it gives students the opportunity to get involved and see what all is available for them.
Chistopher Wilke, second-semester studio art major, said he agreed in a similar sentiment.
Wilke, a member of the Art Club, praises the Student Involvement Fair as an opportunity to effectively get the message across to students about what the art club is all about.
“Because of the way campus is set up we’re kind of far away from everything in the art studio,” Wilke said. “A lot of people don’t think to come out and see what we’re all about. This gives us the opportunity to come to them.”
With an hour left to go, the Art Club had roughly 50 students sign up for information about the art club and expected more by the end of the event, Wilke said.
For other, smaller groups the fair enlightened students about clubs they were otherwise unaware existed.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from students who were unaware that there was a Vegetarian Club. This is a great way to get people to know about us,” said junior pre-med, health adminstration and philosphy major Caleb Stering.
“You can read stuff, but talking to someone one-on-one gives it a much more personal feel, that’s why I feel this is so great, it gives people a chance to really understand you more,” said To Write Love On Her Arms’ Club President Erin Gillingham.