The Special Interest Service and Hobbies Expo, designed to promote both temporary and permanent UB clubs, was held in the Student Union this week. Many SA-sponsored clubs set up tables and provided entertainment to endorse their organizations and gain support.
The clubs involved covered a variety of subjects ranging from religion and politics to hobbies and sports. SISH helps temporary clubs get their feet off the ground, according to coordinator Cuthbert A. Onikute.
"We show clubs how to get started and help out with any problems they may be having," Onikute said. "SISH really helps temporary clubs, such as the Swing Club."
Swing Club is one of the newest temporary groups. Brian Connor, who created the club this year, hopes to recruit more members by fall and become a permanent SA organization, he said. The club performed one of their beginner dances to entertain students in the SU.
The University Student Alumni Board recruited students to participate in the 23rd annual Oozfest. Anyone could sign up to participate and those who did received a free water bottle.
"It is the largest mud volleyball tournament in the country and it originated at UB," said Jenni Marinaccio, co-chair of USAB.
The Be-A-Friend program was also present at the expo event. According to Marinaccio, the program began 35 years ago at UB, but the organization eventually became so large a merge was necessary with the Big Brother Big Sister program. As part of this new effort, volunteers spend time with their little brothers or sisters, play games, and do crafts once a week.
According to Laura Gallagher, a volunteer recruitment specialist with the Big Brother Big Sister Program, if student volunteers don't have a car on campus, bus service is provided for site-based mentoring.
"Everyone has a blast and you get to meet so many people, while making a difference in a child's life," Gallagher said.
The Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance gave out free t-shirts at their table. The t-shirts had various sayings such as "my deliberate silence echoes that silence which is caused by harassment, prejudice and discrimination." Students wear these t-shirts to spread awareness for the lesbian/gay community.
"If someone does try to speak to them, they simply hand them a card explaining why they are not allowed to speak," said Christian Soto, LBTGA president of the national Day of Silence.
The local chapter of College Democrats handed out pamphlets in an effort to stimulate political activism. The organization supports local and national campaigns, helps students register to vote, and takes trips to Ohio and Pennsylvania to help campaign during presidential elections, according to Scott Nichol, College Democrats treasurer.
Gamers tested their skills at Smash Club's table. Club members promoted the Classic Game Tournament, which will be held at the end of the month.
According to Onikute, the event is one way in which SA promotes and facilitates student involvement in an assortment of extracurricular clubs.
"SISH is a way for people to get more involved at UB and meet new people in a variety of clubs," Onikute said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
