BY RAEGAN NEUFELD
Student Engagement works at Fort Hays State University to provide students with programs where they can socialize and learn about a variety of topics. Last semester was a successful one, with events such as the International Fashion and Food Festival, Stuff-a-Tiger, and the bonfire all being organized by Student Engagement, along with many others.
Michelle Klecan has worked for Student Engagement since June of 2021 as a specialist who helps plan and execute events. According to Klecan, there will be plenty of chances to get involved with Student Engagement events this semester. For example, on February 8th there will be an event to celebrate Black History Month.
“Our first big event this semester is Family Feud & Soul Food Night, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in Cody Commons,” Klecan said. “We will have teams of five compete against each other in a Family Feud competition while serving soul food to the first 50 attendees. There will be prizes and giveaways handed out to all of the participants.”
The next big event that students can look forward to is the Black and Gold Academy, which will focus on building leadership skills. This event will take place on March 4th from 12:00–4 p.m. Students will move between stations that will be in the Memorial Union and Center For Student Success. Then, on April 7th, there will be a ‘Tunnel of Oppression’ in the Memorial Union Ballroom from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
“For this event, we are looking to collaborate with the diversity organizations across campus. There will be different sections that address different types of oppressions that groups experience,” Klecan said.
April 29th will also be an exciting day for Student Engagement. From 7:00–10:00 p.m., there will be a ‘Jammin’ Into Summer’ celebration held in the parking lot of Gross Memorial Coliseum.
“This event will have a concert/carnival vibe to it,” Klecan explained. “We are hoping to have a lot of fun activities and food trucks in the parking lot for everyone to enjoy.”
The last major event this semester hosted by Student Engagement is the Diversity Graduation. On May 12th, all diverse graduates of the Spring 2022 semester will be recognized with sashes, a ceremony, a dinner, and a presentation. All of this will happen in the Ballroom from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Other highlights that Klecan mentioned were the Diversit-tea events. A series of events, Diversi-tea aims to be a safe space to discuss diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Klecan said that she is most excited for this series of events, along with Family Feud and Soul Food and the Black and Gold Academy, which will “all be a great opportunity for individuals to get informed while having fun.”
Klecan also listed several reasons why students should participate in these events.
“Participating in events is a great way for students to get involved around campus while expanding their knowledge on certain topics. All of our events include some sort of educational aspect. Getting students engaged and informed is important to us.
“Not only do we want students to get involved, but attending events is also a great way to meet more people. The social aspect that comes with our events is a plus. We hope that everyone who comes to our events has a positive experience and can use what they’ve learned in their day-to-day lives. Along with that, most of our events include some sort of free food, giveaway, or activity for the attendees, which is always a plus as a college student.”
For more details on these events and upcoming events, you can follow FHSU Student Engagement on Instagram, and check out their Tiger Link page.