Nearly a thousand Harper students walked through the Quad for the school’s annual club and activities fair known as “Hullabaloo,” held on Sept. 10th.   Hullabaloo is a way for student clubs to promote themselves and recruit new members. 

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Harper College Police making sure students have safe & responsible fun on Sept. 10, 2024. (photo by Kate Gjoni)

According to Harper Student Engagement, there were over 55 tables set up in the center of campus. The process for the event begins before students arrive on campus for the school year. Clubs must contact them if they want a table which helps determine the event’s size for the year. 

For sophomore Adrian Le, getting to know new people is just as important as academics which is one of the main reasons why he came to the event. 

“I think it’s really important to be involved,” Le said. “That’s how you make connections and really enhance your college experience.”

Le used the event to walk around and find clubs that grabbed his interest such as The Asian Student Association, Campus Crusade for Christ, and the Auto Club with many more clubs catching his eye.

Michael Neiland, a Student Aide and activities board representative worked the student engagement booth during the event. He explained that Hullabaloo is very important as it opens up inclusive opportunities and is important for Harper’s future.

“It exposes students to those different groups, and allows them to take part (in clubs) and interact with students they may not interact with on a day-to-day basis,” Neiland explained. “Just getting students engaged as a former president of a club here at Harper, I feel as though engagement is critical to the student body.”

Several students were critical of this year’s Hullabaloo not serving up a free lunch to students as it has done in the past. 

According to student engagement, the decision to not serve lunch was made so that Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) could be highlighted. HSI gave out popsicles and ice cream to promote themselves. 

Other school officials who did not want to go on record, said budgetary restrictions did not allow for a free lunch this year.

Despite the disappointment over free food, club leaders were pleased with the exposure.

Muslim Student Association (MSA) President Abraar Rasheed wanted to spread awareness about the club, offering students an opportunity to connect over their shared religious identity. Additionally, Rasheed explained MSA is open to anyone who just wants to learn about their faith. 

Students who missed Hullaballoo can look up club information and contact info on the student engagement website, or the Harper app.