The Lower Mall of Seattle University was buzzing with energy last Thursday as students explored the annual Involvement Fair, a showcase of more than 175 clubs and organizations. Colorful banners, flyers and lovely demonstrations filled the space, inviting students to discover academic societies, cultural groups, hobby clubs and social organizations.
The fair provided students a chance to meet club representatives and consider ways to get involved at Seattle U outside of the classroom, as Hidaka Taiko, a traditional Japanese drumming club, gave an outstanding performance, drawing a crowd through their rhythmic beats.
“I just wanted to check out all the clubs and see if anything really sparked my interest,” Yui Schramm, a first-year pre-business major, said.
The fair showcased a wide range of groups to suit nearly every interest. Creative outlets included Fragments Literary Magazine, SU Filmmakers and Inigo Theatrical Productions, while music enthusiasts could explore Choir, Pep Band or KXSU, Seattle U’s radio station.
Academic and career-focused communities such as Women in Business, Criminal Justice Club and Physics Club offered opportunities to develop skills and network. Organizations like MECHA, the African Student Association, the United Filipino Club (UFC) and Hui O Nani Hawaii club highlighted cultural engagement, while recreational options ranged from Ski and Snowboard to Line Dancing to Co-ed Crew.
Aidan Aquino, a first-year communications and media major, approached the fair with a clear vision and specific goal.
“I genuinely hoped to witness college life like [the movie] Pitch Perfect, by searching for a redhead and a blonde who led an acappella group. Regrettably, the closest thing I found was the SU Choir,” he joked.
Still, he found communities that resonated with him. Aquino said he “found [his] people” in UFC and Hui O Nani Hawaii, adding that joining clubs will help him connect with peers who share his experiences.
For first-year commuter Fatima Ali, she attended the Involvement fair searching for specific clubs that aligned with her interests.
“Since I am a first-year and I commute, I wanted to be more involved on campus and meet new people,” Ali said, mentioning that she joined the Book Club.
For some, academics and community go hand in hand. First-year Biochemistry Major Majella Costalles said she signed up for the Biology Club.
“I think that joining these clubs will help me find like-minded people and bring me closer to others,” Martinez said.
For others, club connections started with friends and prior involvement. First-year Biology Major Kaela Ysabel Rivera said a friend from UFC encouraged her to stop by their table.
“I’m really interested in UFC, Pre-Med Club and I am already the Freshman Rep for Biology Club. I think that joining a club at SU will help me meet new people who have the same interests as me, learn more about opportunities outside of campus and find a place at SU, which I think is really important as a freshman,” Rivera said.
The fair coincided with the debut of the updated ConnectSU website and app, which enables students to find information about clubs and events easily. Upon entering the site, users are allowed to take a quiz that matches them with clubs that may be a good fit for them.
