Fall 2024 Involvement Fair

Centenary University hosted the Involvement Fair on the Quad on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 2 to 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA), the Involvement Fair allowed Centenary students to sign up for 25 on-campus clubs and organizations.

During one of the busiest, sunniest afternoons, a large gathering of students and staff visited the tables for each club Centenary offered.

“I signed up for everything I could, and I feel like I’ve done a lot and been very successful in the space I am [in],” said Amanda Lorenzo, a Centenary First-Year Leader. “The Involvement Fair helps students get connections and be more involved. They realize they’re not alone in their college experiences and can be part of so much.”

Some of Centenary’s clubs and organizations included CycloneCon, the Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA), The Cyclone Chronicle, WNTI, Centenary University First Generation Honor Society, ENACTUS, and Omega Rho.

“I took Experiential Writing a year ago, and Professor Zatta presented the idea to bring the newspaper back,” said Joseph Hamway, copy editor of the Cyclone Chronicle student newspaper. “I wanted to help out with what she set up and introduce new voices to the paper.”

“Kayla, Alexis, and I spoke with each student about how their interests or majors could fit into the [Cyclone Chronicle] newspaper,” added Hamway. “They could take pictures, draw cartoons, or even interview interesting professors.”

“Some students didn’t think they’d have anything to contribute because they’re not writers, but we were able to ease their worries,” added Alexis d’Ambly, Cyclone Chronicle copy editor.

“I joined [the Cyclone Chronicle] because of [Will],” said sophomore Carly Wolf.

“HOSA is an organization that encourages future health professionals to network and gain experience in their desired future careers,” said Brianna Worthy, first-year leader and member of HOSA.

“We are also helping to get other people exposed and involved to multiple fields of healthcare,” added Madeline Church, co-member of HOSA.

Many students found themselves satisfied with the WNTI information table.

“What I like about WNTI the most is that it provides a kind of voice,” said junior Tanner Sullivan, the student radio programmer for WNTI. “There’s a lot of variety that goes into the radio station.”

“I love sharing my passion for music when I realized that there was a radio station here I wanted to join,” said Maximus Klevence, a Centenary freshman who signed up for WNTI.

Student athletes also found their place at the fair.

“The involvement fair allows me to connect with like-minded individuals and make lifelong friends,” said junior Greg Carrillo, outfielder and pitcher of the Cyclones baseball team.

Students were also able to pledge to sororities and fraternities.

“I joined Omega Rho because I wanted to break out of my shell,” said Troy Sumpter, Centenary senior and member of Omega Rho. “We help around on campus, around Hackettstown, and sometimes outside Hackettstown.”

In addition to visiting clubs and organizations, Centenary offered a $50 gift card raffle, which allowed students to receive one raffle ticket from each table. The SGA drew tickets every hour. Students who signed up for the raffle would be eligible to win both VISA and Walmart gift cards.

“This year was very successful due to strong incentives such as the Rita’s ice and gift cards as well as being set up in a more inviting and high-traffic area,” added Lorenzo. “It was in the perfect spot for people to pass by and join in on the fun on their way to and from class!”

Centenary students are eager for next semester’s Involvement Fair!