First annual Future Fest considered a success
The first annual UNE “Future Fest” on Wednesday, September 17th was extremely successful thanks to a high level of community engagement. For the first time, the Office of Citizenship and Civic Engagement’s annual Community Service and Volunteer Fair was organized in partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences Internship Office and Career Development Services. Meaghan Arzberger of the United Way of York County commented that “after partnering with UNE on service fairs for the past few years, I can say that this year’s Future Fest was by far the most successful!” Fifty five exhibitors set up tables in the Campus Center Gym and shared opportunities for volunteering, internships, and graduate schools with over 225 students at the event.
Students of all class years and academic backgrounds were seen making leisurely laps around the room, speaking with graduate school representatives from universities both local and global, and seeking out community service activities to round out their undergraduate experiences. Attendees were able to sign up for opportunities ranging from an internship at the Animal Rescue League to volunteering for a Build Day event with Habitat for Humanity. Many upperclassmen came looking for options to fulfill their internship and Citizenship requirements. However, they were not the only ones who benefited from attending the Future Fest. According to Kristen Fox, a representative of Northeastern University’s ALIGN program, the best part of the event was that “students as early as freshman year were coming to get information about their next step.”
Students who were unable to attend the event this year are encouraged to follow up with the event organizers. Below are some comments from the UNE staff and faculty who organized the event:
Theo Dunfey, Office of Citizenship and Civic Engagement:
“The importance of community engagement to students’ futures cannot be understated. These experiences introduce them to the real needs of the surrounding communities and offer them an opportunity to make a difference."
Cynthia Simon, College of Arts and Sciences Internship Office:
“The first annual UNE Future Fest was a great success! I am sincerely grateful to the many representatives who attended. I am so thrilled to have our students, from First Years to Seniors, provided with these educative and engaging experiences in order to plan for their futures.”
Mary Jones, Career Development Services:
“The Future Fest event served as a resource fair for all students to learn about life changing service, volunteer, and internship opportunities while also learning about future graduate/professional school options. We were thrilled to collaborate throughout the summer to produce this special event for students.”
Sam McReynolds, Department of Sociology:
“We were very pleased with the turnout. It speaks volumes about student interest in servicing their community. And, we believe by incorporating the Internship Office and the Career Services Office, specifically the graduate schools, we created a richer more vibrant experience for our students.”