As students walk down the stairs into LRTUC, they’re hit with the smell of food, the excited sounds of fellow students and faculty and heat from all the bodies packed into one place. Millikin natives know that the Involvement Fair has begun.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, Millikin’s clubs and organizations displayed all the work they had done in past years. The Involvement Fair also offered students a chance to talk with current members, making it an easy way for students to explore all the opportunities that are available to them and find a group that have similar values and interests.

This year’s fair, originally located on Miller Quad, was moved to LRTUC due to the extreme heat. Although the switch to air-conditioning was lovely, it also made the timeline slightly tighter. The event was cut about 30 minutes short so that the room could be rearranged for another event at 7:00 pm.

Free food was available to students who decided to make an appearance and find out what Millikin had to offer. Students were given three meal tickets upon arriving, which allowed them to purchase their choice of walking tacos, mini corn dogs, ice cream sandwiches and a variety of other options.

A vast amount of organizations use the Involvement Fair as their first recruiting event. Handouts such as Chap Stick, bags of potato chips and drink koozies were given to students as “prizes” for signing up to become part of an organization. WJMU provided the music that played in the background and awarded t-shirts for answering trivia questions. Students rushed to the booth at the front of the room in the hopes of winning when they asked the question, “What NFL team originated in Decatur?”

Groups were eager to showcase the work they’ve done in the past through scrapbooks and boards covered in information. Organizations like the American Chemical Society, Alpha Phi Omega, Best Buddies, Student Senate and University Center Board all had popular tables. Best Buddies, a group that works to create friendships between students and adults with disabilities in the surrounding community, was extremely pleased to have nearly fifty people sign up asking for more information.

Being a part of an organization during a student’s college years has lots of benefits. When students are involved in both academic and social aspects of their collegiate experience, they tend to have a higher GPA, feel more connected and give an overall better rating to their college years. Student organizations also offer students the chance to better connect with faculty. The advisors to groups are often heavily involved, attending meetings and events to stay up to date with the members and what the organization is working on.

The majority of organizations considered the Involvement Fair a great success. Many commented on their excitement to begin working with those who had indicated an interest in their organization. The Involvement Fair continues to be a valuable resource for all organizations for recruiting and showcasing all that Millikin has to offer its students.