SARA LODESPOTO
Special to The Leader
Fredonia truly comes alive when all the clubs get together to show what they are capable of.
This past Wednesday, Jan. 31, Activities Night reflected SUNY Fredonia’s wide variety of clubs from music to Greek Life. Traditionally, Spectrum Entertainment has hosted this event. However, the role of leading Activities Night has shifted this semester.
This Spring, Activities Night was the first time it was co-hosted by Spectrum Entertainment and the Student Association. Rosie Rapisarda, president of the Student Association (SA), stated “Spectrum Entertainment decided they could no longer host due to falling membership.” Therefore, next semester, the Student Association will be fully hosting Activities Night.
Rapisarda recognizes how Activities Night was made possible with the help of the clubs.
The tables for each both play an important role in the event according to Rapisarda.
She personally thanks Kappa Sigma, Delta Chi, Black Horse Rugby and Fredonia State Women’s Rugby for arriving at Steele Hall more than an hour early to set up and staying later to take down tables.
During the event, there were student performances from various clubs like EnFusion Dance Club, Rince Fredonia Irish Dance and The Fredonia Improv Collective.
Before she went to perform, Molly Gibson, the president of Improv Club stated “Activities Night is one of our favorite nights of the year …we’ll [the improv club] show everybody a little taste of what we got and all the different sounds we can make.”
Lively and fun, clubs had tables across the gym with music and candy. Each table displayed a piece of what they were about through photos and colorful posters. Throughout Activities Night, clubs found nifty ways to attract new members.
Emma Mannix, the Chess Club media coordinator, recalls how students had stood around the table in awe watching their secretary play chess blindfolded.
On the other side of the gym, Fredonia Radio Systems started a conga line using a big sign to lead new possible members to their table.
This leads to the question: What’s the most effective way to get new recruits?
Caleb Schwab, a freshman who was browsing through the event explains that being a noisy booth works way too well. “Everyone who I have stopped at, I’ve either already wanted to go there or they were really loud” he states.
The sports clubs were lined up for new members.
Both rugby teams walked around in their uniforms handing out informational slips. Madison Evans, member of the women’s rugby club, had brought her service dog, Sunny, who was wearing a jersey to show support.
Placed in the back of the gym, fraternities and sororities had matching attire and displayed big Greek letters. Greek Life is one of the ways students can make new friends. “We’re a great group of guys, we have our own values; we value friendship, we value our brotherhood most of all” said Delta Chi member Alex Acosta.
If Greek Life and sports are not your thing, consider joining a club that aligns with your major. The Teachers of Education Club (TEC) helps education majors find opportunities for student teaching and how to teach. McKayla, the president of TEC, had a great turnout at Activities Night with students specifically in music education.
There are many ways to get involved at Fredonia. With more than 120 clubs and organizations to join, how do you decide which one? Rapisarda suggests finding a club that piques your interest and attending a general body meeting.