Collegiate Times

Whether you?re new to the Virginia Tech scene, in search of a new hobby or simply enjoy brightly colored flyers, University Unions and Student Activity?s Showcase 2005 was the place to be last Friday. Over170 student organizations were represented at the fair, ranging from the College Republicans of Virginia Tech to the Chinese-American Society. Many on-campus organizations see the annual fair as a key way to elevate student awareness of their programs. ?The fair was very effective in letting students know that Chinese-American Society actually existed. We recruited about 50 students,? said Stephen Rong, sophomore biology major. ?We signed up about 100 students,? said Lauren O?Neil, chairman for the College Republicans and junior political science major. ?With the 2005 election for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, it's exciting that so many students are getting involved in politics.? The event took place in Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires Student Center, and was sponsored by the University Unions and Student Activities program, with help from Event Planning and Production Services. Organizations were admitted between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to set up their booths and students were admitted at 4 p.m. This year, 19 walk-up organizations were granted booths alongside the more than 150 pre-registered organizations. Performances were held between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Haymarket Theater to celebrate the fair. The Salsa Club at Virginia Tech danced, and a member of Stage Noir theater group performed a short sketch. There was also a mini pep rally put on by the members of Student Alumni Associates, an interpretive dance performed by members of IMPACT Movement (an African-American Christian student group) and a belly dance performance by a member of Hill and Veil, the Middle Eastern dance group. The Showcase was one of the Hokie Hi week festivities that take place annually during the first week of school. The department of Student Activities, including the student staff, was responsible for most preparations for and staffing during the event. The only problem that organizations seemed to encounter was the placement of individual tables in the room. Smaller groups had trouble attracting students away from the larger, more elaborate displays. ?It was difficult to try to stop everyone and see if he or she was interested in medicine. I think that it could have been a little bit better organized to cater to special interest groups, but other than that, I think it was a great way for us to get our name out there,? said Alison Smith, president of the American Medical Student Association and a junior biology and chemistry major. Student attendees did not leave empty handed. The fair?s policy that organizations were forbidden to sell items worked to many students? advantage. Students left sporting T-shirts and munching candy given away from groups interested in gaining their good will. ?I think in general most everything ran smoothly,? said Steve Burrell, the assistant director of Student Organizations for UUSA. ?There were a few glitches, but those were taken care of fairly quickly. We try to take all feedback into consideration and make adjustments that will hopefully result in a better showcase the following year.?