Keller Peterson and Mario Ballard pictured at the spring club fair representing the Ultimate Frisbee team. ANISSA LATIF / COURTESY
Maddie Rosado Managing / News Editor
As the new semester welcomes students back to campus, Manhattan University (MU) comes alive with a fiery spirit during the annual spring club fair, despite the freezing temperatures. Hosted in Smith Auditorium, the event allows student clubs to recruit new members mid-year, while providing an opportunity to explore a wide range of organizations on campus.
Nicole Brosnan ’23-’24, the director of student engagement, shared with The Quadrangle that hosting the spring club fair provides a chance for students and clubs to connect.
“We’ve had a lot of clubs report that they get a lot of interest in the fall, and then things trickle out over the semester,” Brosnan said. “The spring club fair gives clubs another chance to connect with new students and add members who are interested in joining these various groups.”
Following Brosnan’s comments, Keller Peterson, a senior mechanical engineering major and captain of MU’s ultimate frisbee team, explained how hosting a booth at the club fair allows his team to bring in new participants.
“Our main tournaments are in the spring,” Peterson said. “This semester, we would normally be ramping up practice times and commitment levels, but given our numbers situation, we’re looking for consistent members who enjoy being a part of the club.”
While Peterson emphasized the goal of adding new recruits to the team’s roster, Mario Ballard, a junior mechanical engineering major and member of MU’s ultimate frisbee team, noted that the club’s strong sense of community is what truly attracts students.
“It’s the sense of community that people really enjoy,” Ballard said. “The club has a lot of great people to make friends with, joke around with and have fun with. It’s a great way to stay active and have fun.”
Peterson continues to encourage students to get involved, stressing that the team is always eager to welcome new members.
“A good way to reach out to us is on Instagram at ‘manhattan_university_ultimate’,” Peterson said. “We are always open to welcoming new members.”
Beyond athletics, groups such as Alpha Pi Phi are using the spring club fair to connect with students and attract those interested in joining. Danae Cecena, a senior finance major and president of the sorority, shared that the group’s focus for the semester is simply on building community.
“We’re just focused on getting new girls this semester,” Cecena said. “We really love to provide a welcoming environment where we can build a sisterhood.”
Cecena went on to describe how the sorority stays active on campus through regular meetings, community-focused events and fundraisers.
“Our sorority usually meets once a week to organize events and to get everything together,” Cecena said. “We typically organize events aimed at raising funds for women’s organizations… and we plan on continuing this mission.”
Cecena reflected on the personal connections and lasting friendships she has built through the sorority.
“I’ve made my closest friends here in the sorority,” Cecena said. “It can even be a great way for people to connect with others who have graduated or are already established in their careers.”
Danae Cecena and Alpha Pi Phi sorority sisters pictured at the spring club fair.
ANISSA LATIF / COURTESY
While Cecena noted the strong bonds and networking opportunities within Greek life, other student-run clubs, such as The Rainbow Jaspers (RJs), also focus on fostering community and inclusion on campus.
Ashley Karlosky, a junior communication major and president of the RJs, spoke about the group’s goals for the spring semester.
“Our goal is to be educational and fun, helping students learn about the community while providing a place on campus where they feel supported,” Karlosky said. “We organize events to make LGBTQ+ students and allies feel comfortable and safe, while also fostering a strong sense of community.”
Karlosky added that the group offers engaging activities with multiple ways for students to stay connected.
“We do a lot of arts and crafts, and educational events or activities,” Karlosky said. “Our Instagram handle is ‘@mu_lgbtq’. That is the easiest way to stay involved, because we’re always going to post there.”
Brosnan noted that while the university provides the space and resources for events such as the spring club fair, it is the students’ energy and enthusiasm that truly bring them to life.
“We book the space, we get the tables set up,” Brosnan said. “But other than that, the space is brought to life by the students and their passion.”
The Rainbow Jaspers take on the spring club fair.
ANISSA LATIF / COURTESY