Get active on campus at the TU Spring Involvement Fair

By Phaedran Linger ’22 on February 8, 2022

Towson University's Office of Student Activities' 2022 Spring Involvement Fair will host more than 180 campus clubs and organizations ready to recruit new members on Feb. 9 in the University Union from noon to 2 p.m.

Joining organizations is a great opportunity for students to find their place in the community. Campus activities offer a way to make connections, build memories and create new experiences.

While COVID-19 brought unforeseen obstacles to clubs and organizations, student leaders adapted and came out stronger. 

At TU, students have more than 300 groups to choose from in sports, academia, Greek life, religion and special interest hobbies. We talked to student leaders in three organizations who will be attending the fair about why they got involved.

Students Helping Honduras

The caring side of Towson University’s students shines through in Students Helping Honduras (SHH). This volunteer community provides access to education for children in Honduras by helping build schools and fundraising to offer other resources. 

Towson University’s chapter of the nationwide organization gives its members lasting memories and real-life skills. SHH teaches them to fundraise correctly to improve Honduran communities and apply the knowledge to helping their own communities.

Andres Mejia became president in his second term on the e-board when COVID-19 pushed him to branch out in his roles. He says the unexpected shift in responsibilities was a great learning experience.

A skill Students Helping Honduras encourages its members to develop is leadership management. The pandemic brought the team a real-life crisis management challenge, and, in the end, it taught them to adapt to overcome change. This term, upcoming events include SHH Olympics, a walk-a-thon, a craft sale and a thrift shop.

“I’m happy because now we are on top of things. This semester should be easy since we had time to organize and get everything planned out,” Mejia says.

Students don’t need anything but a passion for helping others to join SHH. “We build on each member's strengths and interests so anyone can join,” Mejia says. “We take advantage of the diversity. If someone is good at crafts, we can do a craft fundraiser. If they're good at singing, we can do a concert event.”

Vibe Dance Team

Vibe Dance Team is a hip-hop-focused dance team whose members choreograph, perform, attend competitions, take dance classes and participate in volunteer events. 

In the last couple of years, Vibe has grown from a small group to a team that sweeps competitions and has even been recognized by Beyoncé. They are known for “bringing a vibe” to campus events through their outstanding performances. 

Nico Boone, Vibe’s social media manager, was a solo hip-hop performer. Auditioning for Vibe allowed him to step out of his comfort zone, collaborate and learn new styles. 

During COVID-19, members attended dance practices virtually. Boone says Vibe took advantage of the time online so when they came back in person, they could continue the legacy. “Now, we are outgrowing ourselves and our past goals,” he says.

This year, Vibe has become a more diverse team with exciting new events this spring, including performances at other colleges as well as hosting its first showcase.

“Vibe is truly a community of creators who love the art of dance and hip-hop,” Boone says. “Whether you learned in your bedroom or in a professional studio, we encourage you to dance with us and our family.”

“The Towerlight”

“The Towerlight” has been the student news organization at Towson University for more than 100 years. Reporters cover stories about campus, students and the local community.

The newspaper provides students with a voice and a healthy outlet to express opinions or spread awareness on a variety of topics, including current events, politics, trends, sports or food and drink. It is also an exceptional opportunity to gain experience and meet new people. 

Students don’t need a background in news or writing to join, because learning how to operate a newsroom is part of what “The Towerlight” teaches. While writing is a main priority, the outlet also utilizes photographers, graphic designers and social media specialists.

Jake Shindel started at “The Towerlight” his freshman year. Now a sophomore, he is the newspaper’s editor-in-chief.

When the pandemic hit, Shindel says, they ditched print news and made a full transition online. This was an unexpected turn for the better because “we are getting way more clicks and views online; even our Twitter has tripled in views.”

A rewarding outcome of working for “The Towerlight” is that students get to publish their own work. “I can just search my name on the website and see all my articles. It’s really satisfying seeing your name on published work,” says Shindel.

Phaedran Linger is a senior majoring in mass communication at TU. She is a student editorial assistant for University Marketing & Communications.