Spring Mainstage 2024: 'It's about what we can do for the community as a community'
Spring Mainstage provided Central Michigan University students with an opportunity to learn about and connect with registered student organizations. The event took place on Jan. 26 in Finch Fieldhouse, and was organized by the Student Activities and Involvement.
"As far as set-up goes, it was super easy," Molly Schuneman, the associate director of Student Activities and Involvement, said. "Organizing the people ... and the unforeseen circumstances all at once was the hardest."
Over 900 guests came to learn about the RSOs. There were rows of tables set up, with a different RSO stationed at each one. Snacks were provided at the entrance, and organizations' tables had free candy and trinkets for students to take.
"We love creating opportunities for students to connect and find belonging, whether it's within an RSO or at another event we put on," Schuneman said.
CMU senior and President of Ballet Folklorico de la Luz, Regina Araujo-Pedroza performs at Spring MainStage on Friday, Jan. 26, in Finch Fieldhouse. (CM-Life | Soli Gordon)
Some distinct categories of RSOs present at the event included:
- Fraternities and sororities
- Major-based organizations, such as pre-med organizations or clubs reserved for education majors
- Creative and hobby-based clubs, such as improv, dance groups, a chess club
- Community service clubs, like A Letter For Better
RSO members laughed and talked with one another, like those at the Program Board table and Central Votes, and some students were eager to explain to visitors what their organization does and what it means to them.
One example of this is senior Michael Moore, a member of Elite Men At Central (EMAC). He talked about events the RSO hosts such as powderpuff games and award shows. He said the events are meant to uplift one another and other members of the community.
"It's about what we can do for the community as a community," he said.
CMU sophomore and President of Chamakta Central, Bhuvi Pundir encourages students to sign up for the dance team at Spring MainStage on Friday, Jan. 26, in Finch Fieldhouse. (CM-Life | Soli Gordon)
The event also had live music and performances from some of the RSOs, such as Central Harmony, Ballet Folkloric de la Luz and the Infusion Dance Team. Students crowded around the stage to dance and cheer, and members at RSO tables would also get captivated by the performances.
When students weren't performing on the stage, music would play from the speakers, just slightly louder than the chatter of students coming and going and RSO members socializing within their groups.
Schuneman said that the event took a lot of planning. She said the office booked the fieldhouse for the event in October of 2023, and they opened signups for spots in early December. When spots opened, she said over 160 organizations applied and they only had 130 spots.
