The Center for Student Engagement will host its fifth annual Big Orange Pumpkin Patch event on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 21st Mortgage Plaza.
The fall themed event will feature pumpkin picking, painting and a showcase of student organizations, giving students the opportunity to enjoy all the fall-related activities they normally do at home.
The Big Orange Pumpkin Patch started in 2020 and became a creative way to interact with other students and faculty in a time of social isolation during the pandemic. Many students struggled to connect with others in a time of uncertainty, and students today still feel lonely being away from their families and missing out on their fall traditions back home.
“The event gives students a fun, community-focused opportunity to welcome fall, make connections with each other and enjoy some sweet fall-themed treats,” coordinator for the Center for Student Engagement, Sydney Flader said.
Students can pick out pumpkins for free, paint them and discover opportunities to get more involved with the school through engaging with leaders and members of student organizations.
Numerous registered student organizations are going to be participating in this event to not only get students involved in clubs and organizations on campus, but to also raise funds for their clubs.
“The goal of the fundraising fair is to create an avenue to showcase registered student organizations and allow them to raise funds through selling crafts, foods and other items with the campus community,” Flader said.
Fundraising gives organizations the opportunity to connect students and give a strong sense of community and purpose to those involved.
Fundraising and entertainment are a big part of the Big Orange Pumpkin Patch, however, connecting students when away from their family, friends and home provides inclusivity they might need.
With its warm atmosphere and engaging activities, the pumpkin patch will aim to embody the spirit of fall and bring students together in a sense of community on campus.
