More than 500 registered student clubs, sports teams, Greek life groups and leadership programs gathered on Wednesday, Sept. 9th on Fairfield Way from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for The University of Connecticut’s annual Involvement Fair.
According to the Department of Student Activities, the Involvement Fair is UConn’s largest free event on campus which welcomes all students, faculty and staff. It offers opportunities to find new ways to connect, get involved, make friends and enjoy your favorite hobbies.
This year’s involvement fair was a huge success, showcasing involvement from an array of organizations. The fair included an energetic outdoor atmosphere that was fueled by the crowded tables packed with candy, cookies, prize wheels and creative giveaways.
At the Korean Student Association (KSA) table, Elliana Chon, a seventh semester cognitive science student and president of KSA, handed out keychains to passersby whilst introducing their mission. KSA aims to promote awareness and appreciation of Korean culture and traditions across campus through community bonding events. With the main goal of increasing membership, Chon expressed her gratitude for the club.
“I’ve been a part of the Korean Student Association since I was a freshman, so I’ve always been really attracted to the welcoming environment… everyone was so sweet,” said Chon.
Further down Fairfield Way, members of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Incorporated, the first Latina founded sorority in the nation, were busy explaining the misconception of the sorority.
“One of our big mottos is that we are Latin by tradition, not definition,” explained Aalianah LeBeau, a seventh semester psychological sciences student.
LeBeau emphasized that members do not need to be Latina to join the academic sorority. No matter the race, the sorority aims to prioritize long-lasting sisterhood, community service, social justice advocacy and helping those pursuing a higher education.
For students seeking more athletic competition, the Men’s Basketball Club offered the perfect pathway for travel and representation of the University. Bruce Balinsky, the club’s treasurer and seventh semester finance and accounting student, says the competitive club has 12 to 14 players that travel across the region to compete against schools in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Hampshire.
“It’s really just a great group of guys,” Balinsky said.
His goal for the fair was to recruit freshmen with fresh talent and fulfill some extra player and management positions the team had.
Students looking for a more laid back and relaxed creative space to be in can find exactly that at Sweeter than Fiction, a book-themed club designed for avid readers who are seeking a community. The club reads two books a semester and hosts a variety of activities, games and movie nights for its members.
For students with a love for visual arts, the Animation Society offers another great place for students to connect. The club provides a fun and casual environment with loads of activities that build connections for members A new highlight for the club this semester is creating Multi Animator Projects (MAPS) where each member animates a single frame set to a specific song.
As the clock struck 6 p.m., the tables began to pack up along Fairfield Way and hundreds of UConn students walked away with new connections, fresh opportunities and a newfound sense of belonging on campus.