On Nov. 12, United Women, Women in STEM and Alpha Sigma Alpha held a “friendsgiving dinner.” They joined together this week for a small end-of-semester gathering aimed at giving their members a chance to meet, talk and support one another before finals and the holiday rush.
President of United Women, Jaylynn Bingham, a freshman majoring in finance and marketing, said the idea started as a simple potluck.
“We wanted to come together with Women in STEM and ASA,” Bingham said. “Community and friendship were the goals. We thought it’d be a great idea to bring everyone together and encourage each other.”
Randa Sparks, an Alpha Sigma Alpha member graduating this December, said the event was a chance to slow down before the end of the semester.
“It’s just a good time to celebrate what we’ve done this year,” Sparks said. “Being thankful for everything we’ve accomplished together and individually and getting to know each other more.”
Sparks, who serves as education director for her sorority, said she appreciated seeing the groups collaborate.
“It’s nice to see everyone learning about each other’s organizations,” Sparks said.
Elizabeth Barnes, president of Women in STEM, said the timing felt right.
“It’s a great day for us to come together before things get crazy with the holiday season,” Barnes said. “Just to be girls, have a great time, build each other up and celebrate what we’ve reached this year.”
Barnes said she enjoyed seeing members of the three groups interact.
“I’m excited to collaborate and get to know these women better,” she said. “I just want to congratulate them and encourage them to keep going strong this semester.”
Mia Conrad, a sophomore majoring in accounting and finance, said she found the event welcoming.
“We’re all different girls and different majors,” Conrad said. “Getting together and getting to know other people is definitely fun. It was nice seeing new faces, especially since this is my first time at Pitt.”
Freshman Caitlin Boyce, who is majoring in elementary education and attended as part of Alpha Sigma Alpha, said she appreciated seeing the organizations unite.
“I think it’s really great that all three of us can come together,” Boyce said. “I’m just excited to show up and be part of it.”
Members from all three groups were invited, each brought food and spent the afternoon meeting new people and talking about their organizations.