UMEC, CCASL, and UMIN know that students want to feel like they are a part of something on campus. They also know that it can be hard to search out opportunities. That’s why Friday, September 6th, they held a free BBQ on Herak Quad, inviting every student that walked by in for a conversation, a hamburger, and an opportunity to serve. Despite the long line, students queued up and joined in a discussion about community involvement – an issue that lies at the center of our Jesuit institution. Students even lingered after, asking the kinds of questions that UMEC, CCASL, and UMIN were hoping they would ask: “How do I get involved on campus?”
Junior Vinny Sonderby, when asked why he decided to check it out, said, “At first I just came for the free food, but the students and staff of the organizations engaged me in conversation and really opened my eyes to all the different opportunities on campus to get involved.” When asked if he was more inclined to look into getting more involved, Vinny said, “Definitely. I am really thinking about going on a retreat now.”
UMEC, CCASL, and UMIN attracted students to their BBQ by offering prospects for students in “mentoring, diversity, retreats, faith, and justice,” according to their Morning Mail posting. The pursuits of these organizations speak to the University’s Jesuit identity – developing the whole person intellectually, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Students responded to this by waiting in long lines, asking questions, and leaving with a desire to get more involved in the Gonzaga community – even after their plates were empty.”