Fall festival: ‘A full college experience’

By Misty Jones
TC News Reporter

Fall Fest, an annual membership drive for the various TC clubs and organizations, was held Thursday, September 17, from 11am to 1pm, in the commons area, in front of the Palmer Memorial Library.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Robert Jones, Director of Admissions, Lee Williams, along with the Student Government Association (SGA), planned this fun-filled event, so that students could get involved.

The Texarkana College Fall Fest, has been a time honored tradition, carried out by the Dean of Students, the SGA, or both working together, for more than 25 years.  Though it may not have always been called Fall Fest, its mission was still the same; Get Students Involved!

Douglas Saffel, Associate Professor of Government and History and the SGA Advisor says, “TC doesn’t offer just classes.  Students can get a full college experience at TC, and Fall Fest is a big part of that.”

The Dean of Students office, along with the SGA work hard to ensure the success of Fall Fest.  They try and bring in new vendors from outside the college every year.  For example, this year, TC was honored to have visitors such as The Daughters of the American Revolution and DJ Sgt. B.  There was also information booths for employment opportunities, apartments available, financial planning, as well as booths for most of the college’s 23 clubs and organizations, including TC’s oldest club, The TC Players, who are currently working with Tex*Rep on plays such as Mary Poppins and The Great Gatsby.

A few other clubs available at Fall Fest were the Chemistry Club with their “scientifically made” ice cream, The Student Nurses Association, Phi Beta Lamda, and the newest and fastest growing club on campus, The TC Gaming Club.  Lee Williams, Directory of Admissions, hits the nail on the head by saying, “It’s (Fall Fest) a great opportunity to meet people and get active on campus.”

Those there are no exact numbers recorded, attendance for this event has always been great, and this year was no exception.  According to Dean of Students, Dr. Robert Jones, “It’s the one time of year the students can check out the clubs and organizations available on campus, as well as volunteer opportunities available to them from organizations such as Harvest Texarkana and Salvation Army.”

Volunteering and club involvement make excellent additions to any four year university application.  No matter what you goal is in life, TC gives students the tools for success at Fall Fest.

Haley Brundon, a Chemistry major, said, “It’s interesting to see how many clubs TC actually has.  With the general size of the college, you wouldn’t think they would have so many.”

Chase Livingston, a General Studies major, said, “Really fun.  Nice place to meet more people and get involved.”

The “Get Involved” message was definitely well received by the students at TC Fall Fest.  After speaking to many of the students at the Fall Fest, when asked if they would like TC to host more events like this, the answer was a resounding YES!!  If you missed the Fall Fest, it is not too late to get involved.  You can still join any of the 23 clubs offered on campus.

For a list of those clubs, visit the Texarkana College website at www.texarkanacollege.edu/campus-life/clubs-and-organizations/.  If you don’t see a club that interests you, start your own.

Be sure to participate in other upcoming events for students, such as intramurals for basketball in October, as well as the talent show and Spring Fling to be held this Spring.