By Christian Mosqueda-Ramos
Staff Writer
Over 90 clubs and organizations were represented at this year’s Welcome Week event, where workshops, programs, tours and mixers gave new and returning students opportunities to learn, connect and have fun along the way.
Presented by the Office of Student Life, Loker Student Union and Associated Students Inc., Welcome Week ran from Aug. 28 through Sept. 2.
The focal point was the Involvement Fair held on the North Lawn. The fair provided a more in-depth look at many clubs and organizations with a multitude of different backgrounds.
It also included bubble soccer, inflatable human foosball, a live DJ, free giveaways, a basketball shootout, and food and beverages.
Along with library tours, there were workshops on how to apply for graduate school, as well as quick tips on financial literacy through the “Being Broke is not a Joke! It’s all about the Benjamins” workshop.
Also featured was a Career Center open house, commuter outreach tables and a peace gathering where students took time to remember victims of violence in an effort to raise awareness.
Other events included the Catch-a-Club involvement mixer, a Pokémon-themed opportunity where students and club leaders interacted in a speed-friending game.
In it, clubs and organizations had a limited amount of time to “catch” a student by giving them a quick overview of their club and what membership entails.
When giving a reason why students should join, Peace Club President John Antwaan Ruiz, said, “Building that relationship with everyone around you, building that community, there are people there for you that care about you.”
“We all have to start somewhere,” said Isaias Zagal, president of Organización Latina Estudiantil. “I was a freshman once too. I wanted to be part of something.”
Zagal said that joining a club helped him build his leadership, organization and communication skills and pushed him to the next level. Alexis Ramirez-Navarro, president of the Equality Club, stressed the importance of attending Welcome Week and related events.
He said that students can be intimidated meeting club presidents and board members but fun and interactive activities are aimed at easing their apprehension.
Anna Liza Garcia, assistant dean of students for CSUDH, highlighted the impact of making a connection through clubs and organizations.
“We provide an opportunity [for students] to stay connected,” she said
