Spring 2025 Student Activities Fair draws a crowd
by Essie Newton and Schylar Velez Garza
Yesterday, dozens of students flocked to see what ICC clubs and organizations have to offer at this semester’s Student Activities Fair.
Raffles, candy, and a chance to draw art were just a few of the diversions students participated in while learning about the various ICC clubs and organizations.
All of the organizations present hoped to connect to and recruit more students to their upcoming events.
“The library is trying to bring students in and meet them where they are,” Devon Blumenshine, a library staff member, said. “We have been talking about how to support students after the pandemic. This is the first time that we’re seeing that resurgence of pre-pandemic numbers.”
Some of the ways the library hopes to reach out to students is by having mobile checkout, giveaways, and planned events.
Every other Tuesday, there are therapy dogs at the East Peoria campus library for students to interact with. Once a month, on Wednesdays, students can find these therapy dogs at Peoria campus.
A few of the clubs present at the fair include the D&D Club, the S.A.F.E club, the Art Club, and the newly-formed Engineering Club.
“[Students can] find us at room 233B in the academic building, on Tuesdays and Fridays from noon to 4:30 p.m.” Aiden Vens, president of the D&D Club, said.
Kristina Peckmann, the manager of student engagement and retention, organized the event.
“I’m so excited about the energy that we have got here and all the student participation,” Peckmann said.
The student engagement and retention department is an ICC organization that creates outreach events for students and helps to manage all of the other organizations and clubs.
“Feb.13, we have an event called ‘Mugs and Kisses’. Leaves ‘n Beans is coming to bring complimentary coffee for students, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the student lounge,” Peckmann said when asked about upcoming events. “You will also have the opportunity to do a make-your-own candy charcuterie board.”