UMO Holds Student Involvement Fair
MOUNT OLIVE- The University of Mount Olive (UMO) recently held a Student Involvement Fair to inform students of the wide variety of clubs and organizations available. Inspired by the liberal arts philosophy of educating the whole person, UMO offers a variety of student programs that foster leadership development, complement the classroom experience, and build community.
UMO has more than 25 clubs and organizations from which to choose. Students interested in the arts participate in a variety of visual and performing arts groups. Student athletes have the chance to have their voices heard through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). International students can discuss their cultural differences and similarities through the International Club. Representatives in student government collaborate with university leaders to enhance the student experience. Many more student organizations provide entertainment, serve the local community, and provide connections to professional organizations.
Faith Dearman, a junior music education major, is the Vice President of the Sisterhood of Crown and Martlet (SOCAM), a women’s service organization. “I actually learned about SOCAM from the involvement fair during my freshman year,” she said. “It’s a great group.” Dearman is also a member of the music club. “Incoming freshmen should just talk to people who are involved with the clubs, ask questions, and get involved,” Dearman added.
Freshman physical education major Caitlin Carnegie found several clubs she was interested in, such as the International Club and the Campus Activities Board (CAB). “I hope to meet people, have many opportunities, and get as much experience as possible,” she said.
UMO’s clubs and organizations offer students the chance to develop leadership skills, serve their community, and socialize with their peers. Another advantage of being a part of an on-campus club is being able to make a difference in the local community by participating in service projects. The Collegiate FFA raises hundreds of dollars each year to purchase winter coats for local students at Carver Elementary School. SOCAM raises money for cancer during their annual Sing for Another Day benefit concert. The Future Educators Association and the Prospective Teachers Association collect school supplies and books for local children in need. Whether participating in community cleanup, tutoring, or volunteering, students involved in UMO clubs are working to contribute to the common good.
Vice President for Student Affairs Dan Sullivan summed it up when he said, “Clubs provide a wonderful opportunity for students to join, lead, and expand their horizons, make friends, and have fun. There are groups of every interest – educational, artistic, pre-professional, athletic, religious, service oriented, and more. Clubs are an important part of student development, because student involvement often goes beyond the topic or focus of the organization to positively impact not only students, but the campus as a whole.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, in Smithfield at Johnston Community College, and online. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
