The Bruder Gym was bustling with excitement as clubs, organizations and offices gathered for the second involvement fair of the year on January 18. Mrs. Tahirah Stevens-Gaillard, the director of the Office for Student Engagement & Leadership, decided to host a second involvement fair to give new and returning students a chance to find out how to get involved and to meet some of the new clubs on campus.
Among the new clubs present were the Knight Steppers, the step team on campus; Name-Image Likeness, who are dedicated to helping student-athletes understand the role of NIL and college sports; Knights for Education, who work to provide fun activities for children; and the chess club which became established two days before the fair, according to Stevens-Gaillard.
These new clubs took advantage of the fair to get their name known to the Neumann community and to give more background on their goals.
The Step Team’s main goal was to share the many exciting events happening for their team this season, including a big performance at the end of the year according to head members Brianna Allen, Ameera Alade, Ashanti Hastings-Chapman and Aamirah Alford.
Knights for Education president, Lauren Retkovis, shared her main goal, which was to inform students that their club is not exclusive to education majors. She wanted students to understand that all are welcome to be a part of this organization that works to bring smiles to children and connect with the community.
While these new clubs are ambitious and excited to launch, many returning clubs were also excited to gain new members and to share what makes their club unique.
Boogie Knights Dance Club is unique, according to President Rachel Meehan, because no dance experience is required to join. “If you love to dance, want to meet new people, and are looking for a fun time, then Boogie Knights is the perfect club to join,” shared Meehan.
Another club which has a unique model is the Health Science Club. This group is exclusive to Health Science majors. The club provides opportunities for students to prepare for the career they are hoping to pursue. Club member Nicole Floyd appreciates how the club allows her to gain hands-on experience and learn different perspectives.
The club has taken trips to a variety of amazing places. Just last year they visited the Flyers and spent time learning more about the Wells Fargo Center. They have also volunteered to work at events like the Philly Marathon.
These are only a few clubs on campus, Neumann has a variety of options for students to enjoy. In fact, according to Stevens-Gaillard 29 clubs, organizations, and offices attended the involvement fair this semester. Getting involved in one of the clubs/organizations on campus allows students to try something new, meet new friends, and can even help them gain experience that relates to their major.
It is thanks to the Student Government Association that this event is possible. “We contacted all our campus partners and invited them to be present. We then worked with the great Scheduling and Events team to select the best day, time, and location and get the best setup” shared Stevens-Gaillard. In the end all their hard work paid off because the fair was a success. Those who planned the event are devoted and dedicated to giving students a sense of belonging. For SGA Senator for Clubs and Organizations and Executive Marketing and Media Director Kimaya Wilson, this is the best part of the fair.
Wilson shared “my favorite part of the fair is seeing the student leaders come together to show off what makes them happy, what brings them joy, and the club or org that gave them a community here on campus.” Stevens Gaillard echoes this sentiment exclaiming, “The Involvement fair is one of my favorite events because it allows all of Neumann to see our clubs' great work and gives them a chance to join, support, and encourage their hard work!”
The fair is a special event that all clubs, organizations, and offices look forward to each semester. Through the event, students discover a world of possibilities where they can build confidence, discover potential, and live out Neumann’s RISES values.
Erin Donovan
