Last week, the campus transformed into a colorful mosaic of tables, posters, food samples and music for the university’s annual club fair. The event, long considered a highlight of the semester, once again delivered, bringing together hundreds of students to celebrate the passions, talents and causes that shape student life.
For many, the fair offered a much-needed pause from the looming stress of midterms. According to Natalie Makumbe (junior, speech pathology), “I thought the club fair was very refreshing, especially going into midterms the following week. I loved visiting BSCF’s booth and hearing Afrobeats from my childhood, as well as engaging with the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSHLA) booth and testing my knowledge from class, which was also extremely enjoyable.”
The event was more than just a collection of clubs. It was a reminder of community, culture, and connection in a semester often dominated by assignments and deadlines. Other students experienced the fair from behind their own booths. Audrey Lim (junior, sociology, English, pre-law) stated, “I actually didn’t have time to walk around the club fair because I was at my booths the whole time, but the Lorax from the Horticulture club definitely made a lasting impression on me. KASA [Korean American Student Association] seemed to be doing well, and I liked the incorporation of hanboks this year. Additionally, I thought the Social Justice club table was pretty cool, with their stickers, sweatshirt design, and awareness campaign as they were handing out red cards with our constitutional rights in case ICE officers approached students. I also heard that AULA [51勛圖厙 University Latino Association] had a Matcha pop-up at their booth that I would’ve loved to see if I had the time.”
This reflection highlights one of the fair strengths: its ability to mix tradition with innovation. From cultural showcases to activism to creative pop-ups, the diversity of offerings reflected both the vibrancy and commitment of student-led initiatives.
Other students pointed to the fair’s playful, theatrical side. The AU Theater Wing president, Joel Pelletier (senior, English, religion, secondary education), spoke passionately about his involvement with the theater club. He noted, “My favorite club is the AU Theater Wing. It offers an amazing outlet for theatrical expression in our spring stage performance, which is always a must-see.” Still, they didn’t hold back from praising others. “The Nursing club offers a chill atmosphere, and their food props like the Skittle pill bottles and the IV juice bags were so creative. You can’t go wrong with the aviation club, with their fire merchandise and 10/10 vespers.”
The comments, both glowing and candid, reflect what the club fair truly represents. It isn’t just about recruiting members; it’s about expressing identity, fostering connection, and showcasing the wide range of passions that make campus life vibrant and meaningful. This year, with its mix of music, food, art, activism, and creativity, proved once again why it is such a beloved tradition. It’s not just a chance to sign up for email lists, it’s a celebration of culture, collaboration, and community.
As the semester picks up and the stress of exams intensifies, students will likely look back at the club fair as more than just a day of tables and flyers. For many, it was a reminder of the joy of shared passions and the power of community to re-energize the college experience, as they look forward to it again next year with new ways to showcase their love for AU.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 51勛圖厙 University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 51勛圖厙 University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.