News

Bethel Student Government hosts a clubs and organizations fair

September 9, 2016

Brushaber Commons held a fair providing opportunities for students to get involved this Wednesday.

Callie Schmidt | News Reporter

The feeling of excitement walking into Brushaber Commons is almost tangible.

With booths lining all the way back to Student Life, Bethel Student Government Clubs and Organizations hosted a fair Sept. 7.

Junior business major Levi Bauer informs students at the Disability Awareness Group booth. | Photo by **Callie Schmidt**

Clubs ranging from Bethel College Republicans to Bethel College Democrats were across from one another, all containing information as well as representatives from each organization. Other organizations at the fair included club sports, academic associations and special interest clubs.

While the Bethel University College Republicans club has been an active presence on Bethel’s campus, the Bethel University College Democrats club just got reinstated this year.

The Bethel University College Republicans booth at the BSG Clubs and Organizations Fair September 7, 2016. | Photo by **Callie Schmidt**

Second-year BUILD student Ben Boatman speaking with senior philosophy and political science major Daniel Gray, President of the Bethel University College Democrats. | Photo by **Callie Schmidt**

According to Vice President Berit Turnquist, junior English and philosophy major, the Bethel University College Democrats club was active in prior years, but when senior leaders graduated, the club stopped meeting.

In prior years, approximately 10 people were involved in the club. However, approximately 60 people signed up to receive informational emails at the College Democrats booth today during the fair.

Turnquist thinks the increased interest can be attributed to it being an election year, as well as increased publicity. According to Turnquist, they are hoping to get 20-30 students committed to the club.

Faculty adviser Carrie Peffley, philosophy professor, and Club President Daniel Gray, senior philosophy and political science major, are assisting Turnquist in restarting the club.

“We’re trying to make the focus really not so much about Hillary Clinton or about the Democratic ideology, but more about social justice, community service in lower-income areas, and getting people involved in the dialogue of politics,” Turnquist said.