A vibrant and diverse group of students gathered in the Union Ballroom Wednesday afternoon to explore the wide range of involvement opportunities on campus at the Involvement Fest. The event, put on by Student Organizations and Entertainment at UW allowed students to get connected on campus this semester.
“The event gives students the opportunity to see what is out there and what’s already happening on campus,” said Gwen Dailey, Assistant Director of Student Organizations and Entertainment.
Dailey detailed the work of Student Organizations and Entertainment, explaining how they assist student organizations at UW.
“We support all the registered student organizations on campus. We help with re-registration, getting new organizations started, and with advising if they need that,” Dailey said.
The event hosted various groups that reflect the diverse interests of UW students. Many students have found a community within these organizations.
“It’s really given me an opportunity to get involved in the community and to be able to build up a legacy here, and to spread ideas to other people so they can benefit from them,” said JW Rzeszit, President of Young Americans For Liberty.
The event’s goal is to introduce students to opportunities for connection and community on campus, both of which have proven important in creating an enjoyable and well-rounded college experience.
“Involvement gives people an opportunity to grow as individuals and to interact with ideas that they otherwise might not be familiar with, and at the same time to try to make a meaningful movement on their campuses and in their communities,” Rzeszit said.
Rzeszit described the goals of Young Americans For Liberty, and how the organization is working to achieve them. The group holds a number of regular informational events, and they strive to improve the liberty movement in the US.
“I think that liberty is something that’s really important. I think that its a fundamental right that all people should have,” Rzeszit said. “Everybody should be able to do whatever they want to do up until the point that affects other people’s ability to do the same.”
The Fencing Club, one of the oldest organizations on campus was also present at the event. The club meets three times a week and welcomes any level of fencing experience. Thomas Magnuson, treasurer of the club explained why The Fencing Club is a great organization on campus.
“It’s a great sport. It’s actually one of the safest ones out there, surprisingly because we’re playing with swords,” Magnuson said. “It’s a lot of fun and is a good workout, and it has a great community. College is better if you have friends. That group of people makes college easier and less draining.”
