By Lennix Horsburgh, Christain Icaza, and Brianna Dougherty/MULTIMEDIA Producers

Alumni Lane at Delaware Valley University was humming with activity on September 2, as students gathered for the bi-annual Club & Organizations Expo. 

With tables lined up along the walkway, club members introduced students to the many organizations, activities, and communities available on campus. For many students, especially those new to DelVal, the expo is a great opportunity to discover something new and find a place to get involved during the semester.

“I’m at the C&O expo because I’m here to explore and see all the clubs, I’m actually already a part of DVU CRU,” said Michael Wilkins, sophomore at DelVal. 

The event included clubs and organizations such as the Horticulture Club, Soil Club, Rock Climbing Club, Ornithology Club, Pre-Vet Club, Puppet Club, Animal Lifeline Club, Dairy Society, Film Club, and Greek Life organizations. Each group brought its own personality and interests to the expo, showing just how many different ways students engage in activities at DelVal.

From freshmen and transfer students, to upperclassmen looking to try something different, students could be seen making their way from table to table. Some stopped to ask questions about upcoming events, while others signed up for clubs on the spot.

Of course, no one could forget the freebies! Stickers, candy, temporary tattoos, pencils, flower clips, and plenty of other items were handed out throughout the event. You couldn’t walk down Alumni Lane without seeing someone carrying a handful of new goodies.

“Our club is really good for your resume, you can gain many volunteer trips. Those hours will look good regardless of what profession you’d like to get into,” said Ellie Paul, treasurer of Animal Lifeline Club.

Beyond the giveaways, the C&O Expo gives students the chance to meet the people who help make these organizations possible. Club presidents and members were available to talk about what their clubs do, what they have planned for the semester, and why students should consider joining. For students who may not know much about the clubs before the expo, these conversations offered a more personal look into what being a club member looks like.

“We like to touch both the performance sides and the conservation sides of puppetry,” said Owen Klessel, President of Puppet Club.

Students had the opportunity to interview several club presidents and members to learn more about their organizations. These conversations give some insight into what is new this semester and what students are most excited about. With so many different interests represented, there is truly something for everyone at DelVal.

Joelle Jakubowski, Event Chair for Pre-Vet Club, said that the club has many speakers who come to meetings from many vet schools, so students can gain knowledge and figure out what vet school they want to go to.

Whether students are looking for an organization particular to their major, hoping to meet people with similar interests, or simply curious about trying something new, the C&O Expo is a great place to start. Events like this are an important part of campus life, they remind students that college is about more than just attending classes. It can be a chance to make friends, learn new skills, explore hobbies, and create experiences that last well beyond the semester.

“If something really cool pops up, I’m joining,” said Dylan Tucci, transfer student at DelVal.

With the fall semester just getting started, the energy at the bi-annual C&O Expo was a promising sign of what is to come. If the number of students who stopped by the tables was any indication, DelVal’s clubs and organizations are in for an exciting semester

“If you want to join at a later time you can contact me or any other leaders of the club,” said Ben Hull, President of Rock Climbing Club.

If you missed this semester’s C&O Expo but are still looking to join a club and get more involved on campus, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you. If our video sparked your interest in student broadcasting, we’d love tohave you join the team!

Looking to get involved? Check out the full list of clubs and organizations on campus and find one that sparks your interest here: Delaware Valley University Clubs & Activities.