IUP Day shines despite slippery start

Despite IUP Day being moved indoors because of rain, students filled the Memorial Field House Saturday to meet campus organizations, watch performances, and receive free gifts and food.

Kate Krissinger (senior, accounting) helped run and put the event together as a staff member.

“IUP Day is a way to meet organizations and find out what IUP has to offer,” she said.

Krissinger said that being involved in organizations is important so that students can meet new people and have fun.

“IUP Day shows the assortment of organizations at IUP. I’m glad a lot of people came, even though we had to move inside. It was successful,” she said.

Not only did students visit tables and talk with organization members, but they watched performances put on by different groups.

Toya Robertson (senior, communications) put on a dance/fashion show with her modeling group Passionate Outgoing Individuals with Zeal (P.O.I.Z).

“IUP Day is pretty easy to perform at, and it is a sneak peek of what we do,” she said.

Along with fashion and talent shows, Robertson said that her modeling group also does community service, education programs and fundraisers.

She said that the group is now in its third year and has around 25 members. 

They are always holding auditions, and Robertson said that IUP Day gives the group a chance to get people interested in joining.

Robertson said that it is important to be in organizations.

“I’ve learned that there is more to college than just going to class. Getting involved with activities helps with time management. 

Organizations keep you busy and teach you to work,” she said.

Susan O’Toole (junior, English education) also said being involved and meeting new people is important for a successful college experience.

O’Toole was at IUP Day as a representative from Circle K, a Kiwanis-affiliated service group. 

Circle K does service, such as walk dogs at a no-kill animal shelter.

She said the group wants more volunteers to help with the different events that they do, and was surprised to have such a good turnout even with having to move the location of IUP Day indoors.

Kenny Campbell (junior, English literary) was representing Liberti, a campus ministry organization through the Coalition for Christian Outreach.