Alyssa Tyler editor in chief
Student organizations and faculty departments took over the first two floors of Russ Hall on Jan. 31. Eva Sager Associate Director Of Campus Activities said it was an event to pull together the many moving parts of Pitt State to showcase the story of Pitt State.
“Today is the first Rust Hall recess, which is where student organizations, academic departments, offices and other campus groups are coming together to telll the story of Pitt State,” Sager said. “So, we do a lot of things that are kind of sectioned out for a population, we might run a recruitment event, so it’s for new students, or we do an involvement fair that’s for only students, or we do employee appreciation that’s just for Pitt State employees. But we don’t spend a lot of time where we collectively bring Pitt State together with itself. So, this is a great opportunity for areas to show their resources, tell their stories, or just have those casual conversations that hopefully build relationships and keep people here.”
Sager said there were approximately 50 departments and organizations that tabled for the event. Each table had the opportunity to promote what they do, recruit more members, and interact with students and faculty. Jayben Parnell, senior in music education and president of Student Government Association, tabled for SGA for all of those reasons.
“We’re gathering notes from students on what they want to see get changed on campus so they can write something really short on a sticky note, put it up on there,” Parnell said. “We’re going to do our best to make sure to get to everything that’s on here. We’re also promoting our T-shirt Design Competition for the Big Event… We’re also just giving out snacks.”
In the past student organization fairs have taken place in the Overman Student Center. However, choosing Russ as the location of this event was chosen for more than just the catchy title.
“Russ Hall is a little bit of a different experience for a lot of people,” Sager said. “We don’t necessarily think about this being a point of connection, but it’s a very integral part of our history. It’s the iconic part when you think about Pitt State, a lot of times you visualize that picture of Pitt State, it’s the front of Russ Hall. I think also (with) administration being housed here, if we put the experience right in their laps, I think it creates an opportunity for our students to see that those people are approachable as well. Especially if they’re walking around holding a handful of pizza too, which hopefully inspires again, those conversation pieces that we’re looking for.”
Parnell said it may be difficult for some students to reach out about organizations, and by being at events like Russ Recess, students can put a name to a face.
“It’s really easy that whenever you’re in an office or you’re just in an organization to just be behind those walls,” Parnell said. “But whenever you can actually get out and be out there with the students, you let the students know that you’re there and let them know that you’re like real people and you’re not just a name”
Sager said she would love to see Russ Recess happen again in the future.
More information about Registered Student Organizations can be found on Gorilla Engage.