The annual Involvement Fair is a great opportunity for students to become engaged in a new school year. At the fair, various student clubs and organizations at Newman set up tables to provide information for students who may want to join. Newman has plenty of clubs that cater to everyone’s interests, so it’s no surprise that this year’s fair, which took place on the Quad located on the south side of Sacred Heart from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29, drew a large crowd of students.
Newman senior Sam Wiesner, who is vice president of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Club said, “There is a lot of money that goes to the different clubs, which put on great activities that not many students hear about. An involvement fair allows students to see what the variety of clubs have to offer.”
Wiesner has been actively involved at Newman since his first year, but now in his final year he said, “Seeing the students grow makes me feel better as an upperclassman because I feel like I’m making a difference in students’ lives.”
Being far from home, especially in a foreign country, can be a difficult adjustment. With a large and growing body of international students on campus, the International Students Association was formed. Sophomore Martina Viale who heads up the club said, “We want every culture to be part of the club. We say if you’re American then you’re an international student to us! Everybody is welcome to join.”
Viale also stated, “I met all my closest friends through this club. We help each other study and proofread each other’s papers. I have someone to always rely upon.”
Sophomore Courtney Klaus, who helped form the spirit club known as The Flight Crew said, “The best way to utilize free time is to get involved with the community around you. It made me feel more outgoing and excited to come back. It feels nice when you start a club and see others getting involved with it.”
Professors are also involved with mentoring in certain clubs. Professor of Sociology and Assistant Undergraduate Dean Larry Heck sponsors the pre-law club. Heck has worked with pre-law students for 15 years.
Heck gave insight from a sociological perspective, how he has seen students lives change through their involvement.
“Being involved in a club engages you in another way,” said Heck. “Instead of popping onto campus and leaving again, it gives you an opportunity to be involved in the Newman community. Joining a club that’s in alignment with your future aspirations is great for helping you move in that direction. It promotes your interests.”
Many freshmen attended the involvement fair. One freshman, Paige Wallace, said, “Being a part of a club will make my Newman experience more interesting and fun, so I’ll never be bored while on campus.” Wallace found an opportunity to further her high school newspaper interest by signing up for the campus newspaper, The Vantage.
To learn more about the clubs on campus, contact Director of Student Activities Lauren Fontarum at 942-4291, ext. 2453 or [email protected].
