Students Spring into Involvement Opportunities at Alcalá Bazaar

It may have been a little chilly, a little windy and a little crowded, but the energy present for the Spring 2020 Alcalá Bazaar was a lot like a blue sky, sunny day in San Diego — a perfect time to hang out and see what’s happening on campus.

The University of San Diego’s twice-an-academic-year event, held along the Paseo de Colachis walkways, grassy area and beyond that, even, was a hit. Seen as a second opportunity for new students — first-years, transfers and spring newcomers — to get a feel for ways to get involved on campus and for even older students to find a new passion or learn about a program they knew something about but found this as a chance to sign-up and consider joining, the Alcalá Bazaar had something for everyone.

The Office of Sustainability’s table had energy saving tips, reusable tote bags and encouraged visitors to check out its website to learn how clubs, how offices and how resident students can join and commit to a green certification program.

Organizations all in a row, from the Black Student Resource Commons, to the LGBTQ+ and Allies, Women’s Commons and the United Front Multicultural Commons, all of whom are located on the fourth-floor level of the Student Life Pavilion, were informing passersby information about their upcoming events, such as discussions, get-togethers and ways to build community. The UFMC, notably, had a sign up next to its booth to support a student-led initiative, which is faculty and staff-supported, with the words atop saying “USD Stands” the word “United” in a bigger font and “Against Hate” below.

Sprinkled around the grassy area and mostly lined up around the far end of the Alcalá Bazaar’s space were USD Panhellenic Council and USD sororities, USD Interfraternity Council, Fraternity and Sorority Multicultural Council, and department honors organizations.

The Bazaar is always a space for students to check out vendors, from food and drink to a longtime favorite, poster art for decorating student residences. A few notable items were posters of bands, inspirational messages and at least one person was seen with a poster of late retired Lakers basketball star, Kobe Bryant.

Tables for a wide variety of interests, everything ranging from club sports teams, Women in STEM, Campus Recreation, the USD Media (USD Vista, USDtv, USD Radio), specific student organizations based on ethnicity, such as People of the Islands, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, the USD Comedy Improv, Associated Students Government, Student Philanthropy Council, Student Alumni Association, University Ministry, the USD HERO (Honor, Empower, Remember, Overcome) Club and so many more. Club interests vary and there were even new groups who’ve just formed this semester, such as the Third World Coalition.

Tables had information about meeting times, their group’s objectives, sign-up sheets seeking emails and various campus swag or candy. One table, USD Votes, reminded students and the campus community about the importance of registering to vote.

Lots of opportunities, lots of ways to enhance the liberal arts education students receive at USD — and all done on a clear February day where the blue sky’s the only limit.

— Compiled by Ryan T. Blystone