MTSU recently concluded its traditional Volunteer Fair and Student Organization Fair for students who were looking for opportunities to help make a difference in the community.

Coordinated by the MTSU Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, both fairs on the Student Union Commons provided opportunities for students to find involvement outside of academic pursuits.

Representatives from nonprofit organizations and on-campus, student-led groups were able to connect and recruit students through information booths.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was among the student groups participating in the Sept. 8, 2021, Student Organization Fair held on the Student Union Commons. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Carissa Culpepper, 21, a senior graphic design major from Knoxville, Tennessee, considered more than 10 organizations and clubs during the Student Organization Fair.

“Learning about all these opportunities was really interesting,” said Culpepper, “There was so much diversity. I feel as everyone could have found an organization or group that meets their interest.”

More than 15 nonprofits including American Red Cross, MTSU Health Promotion, Avalon Hospice, Make a Stand Society and many others attended the Volunteer Fair.

Representatives from Blue Zoo, MTSU Society Human Resource Management, Sigma Gamma Rho, MTSU Esports and more than 60 others attended the Student Organization Fair.

MTSU Esports was among the student groups participating in the Sept. 8, 2021, Student Organization Fair held on the Student Union Commons. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity was among the student groups participating in the Sept. 8, 2021, Student Organization Fair held on the Student Union Commons. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

“The important thing about volunteering is similar to living out the True Blue Pledge. To be engaged in the community and being a part of the Murfreesboro community,” said Jackie Victory, director of Student Organizations and Service within the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, also known as CSIL.

Jackie Victory

Graduate Assistant Ashlin Murphy, who planned the Volunteer Fair for the first time, explained that the success of the event is measured by the agencies and students who attend. The Volunteer Fair is only providing a place for these groups to connect. Students will be able to network within the community and find opportunities to build resumes.

“I hope that students learn more about all the nonprofits that are in this area. Rutherford County is blessed with so many different nonprofits. I just hope that each student finds a place that connects their passion with a chance to serve others,” said Murphy.

For students who weren’t able to attend but are interested in joining a student organization or finding volunteer opportunities, visit https://mtsu.edu/sos/index.php and click on the appropriate tabs.

For more information, contact Jackie Victory at jackie.victory@mtsu.edu.

–– Leah Chollman, student intern (lbc3m@mtmail.mtsu.edu)

A host of student groups participated in the Sept. 8, 2021, Student Organization Fair held on the Student Union Commons. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

The Society of Human Resource Management student chapter was among the student groups participating in the Sept. 8, 2021, Student Organization Fair held on the Student Union Commons. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)