Olivia Lubak is a perfect example of why Purpose@Peace works.
The sophomore from Fuquay-Varina walked into the Hermann Athletic Center last year eager to engage, but perhaps unaware of her options.
Lubak was already part of the William Peace University Track & Field team, but like most first-year college students, she wanted to know what other social and educational opportunities awaited her.
Purpose@Peace was a one-stop shop for it all.
“It was really cool to not only see the clubs on campus, I was able to sign up for Green Team there and become a part of that group, but also see the stuff off campus,” Lubak said.
Purpose@Peace returns September 9, from 1 – 4 p.m. in the Hermann Athletic Center. The event will feature Registered Student Organizations, faculty members from academic departments, plus campus and community resources and non-profit organizations.
This event allows students to explore their passion areas inside and outside of the classroom and learn about ways to engage with the campus and local community. Students will be able to explore various majors and academic disciplines, student organizations, community engagement opportunities, potential internships, and part-time jobs that align with their interests all in one place.
One new addition to the event this year will be health resources.
“It’s typically been a partnership between the academic and career advising office and the student involvement office,” said Erin Guarine, Senior Academic and Career Advisor. “This year we’ve added the wellness team.”
Guarine said there will be 71 tables from various organizations set up in Hermann Athletic Center. Fifteen of those tables will be potential employers and 10 will be community partners.
Students can sign up for campus organizations on the spot or at least take information back with them before settling on one or more clubs to join. The benefits for Puprose@Peace are endless.
“Easy for students to find, everyone is in one place,” Guarine said. “They get a chance to see what options are there for them in the city, it’s a good chance for them to see what the community has to offer. It’s a good chance to see how to get involved on campus and how to get involved in the community all at one time.”
Lubak, a criminal justice major, said it “was really cool” to see the Raleigh Police Department there last year offering internships.
“There’s just a bunch of different events and drives going on all around here,” Lubak said. “There’s different festivals always happening and there’s always different community things happening, like the Raleigh City Farm right next to us and I had no idea it was there until I saw it at Purpose@Peace.”
According to Guarine, all partners involved benefit from face-to-face interactions.
“I know students really like being able to see their options in one place, that’s helpful for them. Especially when they see their major represented and a club that aligns with their interest,” Guarine said. “I know faculty likes the chance to interact with students, so that’s good. The community partners like the chance, especially since internships are so big here at Peace, some of our employers get to connect with students. Even the community partners get to connect with students for volunteer and internship opportunities. It’s a good chance for everyone to connect.”
