Ashley Vargas-Luna, left, of Somos LU, greets a visitor during Lander University’s Student Organization Fair. Photo by Laura B. Wood
Representatives for dozens of student organizations converged on Lander University’s Grier Student Center on Wednesday, Aug. 30, for Lander’s Student Organization Fair.
Recruiting for Lander University Student Nurses Association was Alexis Pickell, of Greenwood.
The organization already has 123 members, but there are hundreds of nursing majors at Lander.
“We’re just trying to get the word out there, so that students can join early and get involved,” she said.
According to Pickell, who serves as president of the organization, there are advantages to being a member.
“You get to know your fellow students as well as students who are in the cohorts above you, so they can guide you and tell you more about what to expect in coming semesters, as well as give you study tips and tricks. Our advisors are nursing professors, so you get to meet some of your professors outside of the classroom,” she said.
Speaking for the College of Business Student Advisory Board, established last year, was Joshua Davies, of Lexington.
“Dr. Fekula wanted an organization that could essentially represent the students to the College of Business, in terms of feedback. We also plan on doing networking and professional development events,” he said.
Representing Somos LU, Lander’s Latinx organization, was biology major Ashley Vargas-Luna, of Greenwood.
“I’m here to hopefully get new members into the club, and to promote and educate the Latinx culture throughout Lander,” she said.
The group does “a lot of social events throughout campus. We also like to support and do things in Greenwood,” she said.
Lander’s Student Alumni Association was also present. Assistant Alumni Director Debbie Dill said that even freshmen had been expressing interest.
“It’s a great way for them to feel like they have a purpose and a place where they’re comfortable. Not only will they be engaging with the student body, but they’ll be engaging with alumni that come back to campus,” she said.
Emily Anne Beiers, of Lexington, was signing up students interested in becoming presidential ambassadors at Lander.
“We serve as tour guides for potential students who are coming to Lander. We’re just advertising the program and trying to recruit some future PAs,” she said.
Numerous students had signed up to join Animal Advocates, which promotes animal welfare in the area. Members do volunteer work at Paws Animal Wildlife Sanctuary, in Laurens, and also at Greenwood Humane Society.
“We’ll go and take care of the dogs and cats. We’ll feed them, sometimes we’ll groom them. We’ll clean up their cages, we’ll spray them out, and we just have fun while we’re doing it,” said Kaitlyn Battle, a pre-vet major from Columbia.
For her, helping animals is a way of life. Her father owns Battle Animal Care Clinic in Hopkins.
“I want to follow in his footsteps and also become a veterinarian,” she said.