Bridgewater, Va.- On Thursday, Jan. 9, Bridgewater College held its annual Student Engagement Fair in the Boitnott Room and the KCC Lobby. Similar to the Activities Fair that is held annually in the fall, the Student Engagement Fair is an opportunity for students to come and ask questions, sign up for, and take part in numerous clubs and organizations that are available at Bridgewater.

The clubs and organizations each had their own table set up with poster boards full of information and pictures of the club or organization, representatives for students to talk to, and sign up sheets for students as well. Sam Schlernitzauer, Coordinator for Student Engagement and Leadership was stationed at a table in the KCC Lobby, handing out pamphlets that served as passports to the event.Students had to get the pamphlet signed by six different clubs or organizations in order to be entered into a raffle to win $200 to spend at the campus store. 

The Parkhurst Dining organization had its own table at the Student Engagement fair. Christopher Beach, Director of Board Operations, was supervising the table, informing Bridgewater students of dining options and special meal plans that are available to them. The table featured cookies and brownies made in the college’s bakery, and offered gluten free treats as well. 

Another organization at the Student Engagement Fair was BC United. According to Lexi Brown, a junior at Bridgewater, “BC United is the peer health educator that teaches students about bystander intervention. The club’s goal is to teach students how to make smart decisions, make students aware of campus resources that are available to them, and teach them how to intervene in difficult situations.” The club was also trying to recruit new members while at the Engagement Fair.

Lane Salisbury, a Bridgewater senior, was representing the Funkhouser Wellness Center. Salisbury was informing students about the different opportunities and physical activities available to them at the Funk, including intramurals and group fitness classes that are run by students at Bridgewater. Salisbury said his goal for the Engagement Fair was to get transfer students and other Bridgewater students involved. 

The Music Department had a table at the Engagement Fair as well. Bridgewater seniors, Jenna Hallock and Carrie Smith, are active members in the Music Department and were telling students about the numerous different options of bands and choirs to get involved in. According to Smith, the pep band and the a capella group are the most popular for students to join. The department’s goal for the Engagement Fair was to acquire new members.

The Black Student Association, had a table in the Boitnott Room. The club’s executive board was there to represent the club and to inform students about what the association does, as well as recruit new members. According to Adrianna Hayes, BSA’s President, the club’s goal is to promote diversity and African Amercians on Bridgewater’s campus. It is also important to them to follow their club motto: peace, love, and inclusivity. 

A new club, BC Photography was also present at Bridgewater’s Student Engagement Fair. According to sophomore Brenden Coates, the club’s president, the photography club shows videography and photography skills to students on campus.  BC Photography was hoping to recruit many students at the Engagement fair. 

The Student Engagement Fair was an event  for students to come out and explore the options available to them, in order  to be more active and involved on Bridgewater’s campus. Also, it was an opportunity for clubs and organizations to recruit new members and inform students about what it is they do.