Arts and Letters branches out to possible recruits

Gregory Allen

The College of Arts and Letters hosted their first expo event to provide Sacramento State students an opportunity to network and learn more about the Arts and Letters clubs.

The event, which featured representatives from 11 campus clubs and organizations, was held in the Redwood Room of the University Union on Thursday, Nov. 20. More than 130 students were in attendance.

Sac State senior Anthony Taylor, a liberal studies major, said it was his first time attending an event of this kind. He said he noticed the enthusiasm of the clubs recruiting at each booth.

“I think that it is a successful event,” Taylor said. “I bet there’s more than one person here that is getting connected to a club or campus organization that is going to help further their interests career-wise.”

There were a variety of clubs and organizations that catered to the students’ diverse interests, including The State Hornet, Salsa Loca, and KSSU Radio. Also in attendance were organizations like the Toastmasters Leadership Club and the Secular Student Alliance.

Director of Arts and Letters Yajayra Gonzalez said the event was also organized to “unite the community of Arts and Letters” and to provide a way for those clubs to gain more exposure.

“I thought that the Arts and Letters Expo would be a great way to get these clubs out there and let students know that these clubs exist,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez, a journalism major who has participated in several campus clubs during her college experience, emphasized that it is scientifically proven that students who join clubs graduate much faster because of the essential leadership and social skills they gain.

“That’s why I think it’s really crucial that these students get involved, because the more they get involved, the faster they graduate and their college experience is so much richer,” she said.

President of Philosophy Club, Katherine Runkoe, said the club meets twice a week to discuss difficult philosophical ideas. Runkoe said having these intellectual conversations helps students do well academically, in any subject.

“Just being able to get into a club and talk about [ideas] that are complicated, talk about academic subjects in a way that’s just casual, is really helpful for being able to think about your classes and frame them in a way that makes sense to you,” Runkoe said.

Gonzalez was satisfied with the turnout of this event and said she just wants to make sure that the College of Arts and Letters is successful. Her next step – an Arts and Letters Career Fair.

“I’m definitely passionate about this college and I want to be sure to make a difference,” Gonzalez said.