On Friday, Jan. 31,the L.P. Young Student Center was bustling as students attended the annual Winter Celebration.
From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. various campus departments, clubs and organizations sat at their tables, offering fun activities, crafts and foods.
The chocolate station made its return this year, thanks to Keene State Dining’s contribution, as students were offered spoons to pour chocolate over their strawberries, marshmallows and pretzels. KSC Dining had other tables open with sweet treats like whipped cream-fluff in flavors of Oreo and strawberry. Another table sported a make-your-own hot chocolate station in honor of National Hot Chocolate Day. Similarly, the Office of Student Involvement brought out the cotton candy machine and began sharing the floss with students as they passed by.
Senior and Head Tutor at Aspire Hannah Owen spoke on the reach and impact clubs and organizations hope to achieve during campus activities. Owen said the goal in tabling at events like these is to get the word out about their program and what they offer.
“A lot of people are nervous to get a tutor and feel embarrassed, but we’re here to destigmatize it,” Owen said.
The Aspire booth had sticky notes to write your “Spring Bucket List goals” on and stick to a paper where others can see.
For some students, this year’s Winter Celebration was a first experience.
First-year James Trout said he saw posts on Instagram informing students about the event. He also mentioned many of the clubs he is involved in talked a lot about their participation in the Winter Celebration.
Trout commented on the activities that the celebration had to offer.
“They all catch my eye, there’s all fun things to do,” Trout said.
While each table had their own special activity going on, the Office of Student Diversity, Belonging and Equity offered students various craft activities in the flag room.
Upon entering the room students were given the option to do arts and crafts such as making zines or creating snow globes from Mason jars.
WKNH played tunes as students ventured throughout the student center, playing songs from different genres and decades. They also took song requests from students.
As Greek life’s formal recruitment approaches, the sororities and fraternities of Keene State prepare for the event. Many of the Greek life tables offered their own special activity and engagement for any students that might be interested in joining.
Sorority Delta Phi Epsilon provided materials to make decorated hand warmers out of drawstring bags, rice and an essential oil of the maker’s choice.
Sophomore student Ava Moore talked about her interest and participation in Greek life, as well as how informative it is for organizations to table at events like this.
“It’s a good way to connect the campus and meet different people,” Moore said. She said it is a great way to learn about all the different organizations and communities Keene State College has to offer.
Emma Osborn can be contacted at
eosborn@kscequinox.com
