William Peace University hosted the second annual Purpose @ Peace event Sept. 10 on Main Lawn.
With approximately 200 students in attendance, the event consisted of booths and tents of many different student organizations, faculty, offices across campus, community partners of nonprofits, and nearby employers available for students to get more information about how to get involved.
“The idea was…to combine all into one, so as a student you can go to one place to get information about all these opportunities you have on and off campus,” said Kasha Klinegores, director of advising, who organized the event along with representatives of student involvement and the Career Design Center.
Each section of tables was labeled with a color and assigned to a sub-category. When you checked-in, you were given a card that had each color with a box. If you got a signature for each color, you were entered into a raffle to win a prize.
Peace freshman lacrosse player, John Harvey Turner, attended Purpose @ Peace with an open mind while searching for his possible major, and what else he could get involved in on campus.
“I wanted to explore new career opportunities to find out what I want to do…I’ve visited every color booth,” said Turner.
In addition, most of the tables had free giveaways to handout to students. The Campus Activities Board table had an all-in-one bottle opener, pizza cutter utensil for students’ kitchens. Waffle House was giving out pins, stickers, and reusable cups.
“It’s pretty awesome,” said Peace’s Exercise and Sports Science professor, Dr. Elizabeth Lange. “I think the attendance has been good. I like the event with the community partners coming in and…I think it is very beneficial.”
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The event was not only for first year students searching for their major, but also for upperclassmen looking to get more involved and seeking clubs to join and future job opportunities.
“I think good energy and good vibes attracts the students,” said Peace senior, and the on-campus Black Student Union (BSU) member, Maiah Overton.
Pacer athletics were also well represented with there being many student-athletes in attendance as well as a table by Sports Information Department. They were handing out the home fall schedule, and recruiting interns for the fall and spring semesters.
Although turnout seemed good, it is some felt it was difficult for students to attend due to it taking place during the day.
“The only thing that I could say that I think they should change in the future would be to make it not during class time,” said Dr. Lange.