By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Music, energy and anticipation set the tone on Jan. 28 as students gathered for the Spring Involvement and Resource Fair, eager to explore campus organizations and discover the spring concert act.
“I think Cash Cobain is a good vibe for this school,” communication major Jada Joseph, a sophomore, said.
The 27-year-old rapper from New York, will be taking the stage on April 25.
Joseph and other students said that they are excited for spring concerts to make a comeback.
“I’m excited because we haven’t had any special guests since I’ve been here,” Joseph said.
For the first time in six years, the spring concert act was announced during the fair.
After the announcement, students tuned into booths featuring clubs.
Daphney Alston, the associate director of Student Involvement & Leadership Development, said that beyond the concert buzz, the involvement fair continued to serve its main purpose by providing students with the opportunity to meet student leaders and find ways to get involved.
“We have over 125 clubs and organizations here at Southern, and there’s a lot of ways to get connected, find your sense of belonging and really create your full Southern story,” Alston said.
Alston said that she wants students that attended the fair to take full advantage of creating experiences outside of the classroom.
“I hope they gain friends, community and have fun,” Alston said.
Student leaders made the most of the fair to showcase their clubs and campus organizations. Each table was carefully set up with eye-catching posters, informative brochures and sign-up sheets inviting students to get involved.
Whether it was spin-the-wheel or buckets of sweet treats, many tables also offered interactive activities for students to win prizes.
The welcoming environment allowed students to explore new interests, ask questions and connect directly with members who were eager to share their experiences and welcome potential members.
Nursing major Medjina Joseph, a junior and daytime programmer for Programs Council, said she hopes the fair will draw more students to their events.
“I want students to know that they’re welcome to come to all of our events, try new things and find their place on campus,” Joseph said.
Joseph also emphasized that by attending events like the involvement fair, students can enrich their college experience.
“Its a good way to get involved with Southern and meet new people,” Joseph said.
For students who are preparing to walk the stage in the spring, the involvement fair is an opportunity to add titles to their resume, form connections and plant the seeds for opportunities that can help them after graduation.
“Students can use this as a way to network and gain leadership experience,” interdisciplinary studies major Chelsea Safo, a senior and the vice president of the African Student Association, said.
Business information systems major Princess Adjei, a senior and the co-public relations officer of ASA, said she was looking forward to recruiting members. Adjei said that she hopes after the event, attendees found communities on campus where they feel supported and inspired.
“Events like this let students know that there are other people like them here that they can build community with,” Adjei said.
