Culture, chess, circuits and cats; these are just some of the interests Mavericks can explore during their time at The University of Texas at Arlington.
All of these and more were on display at the Maverick Cookout & Activity Fair Day on Sept. 1.
Held at the start of each fall and spring semester, the Maverick Cookout & Activity Fair Day is a time-honored occasion for student organizations, departments and community agencies to showcase their services, interests and involvement opportunities at UT Arlington. The event was co-hosted by UTA Campus Recreation, Dining Services, student organizations and University Operations.
The outdoor event was held on the University Center Mall and at Brazos Park. Students pounded the pavement with burgers, veggie burgers and tropical shaved ice in hand to learn more about finding their niche at UT Arlington.
Dylan Ngo, a UTA senior studying kinesiology, represented the Vietnamese Student Association and chatted to students about the organization.
"We are an all-inclusive organization," Ngo said. "So if you want to learn more about Vietnamese culture, it's a great way to meet new people and learn."
Suzanne Nassar, vice president of Eta Kappa Nu—the Electrical & Computer Engineering Honor Society—proudly stood next to an irrigation drone displayed at the group's table. The honor society helps with tutoring and test reviews for UTA electrical and computer engineering juniors and seniors in the top 25% of their class.
"We focus on academics because we really want to help students be the best they can be while they are here at UTA and then when they go on into their careers," said Nassar, a UTA senior.
Across the sidewalk was Holden Humphreys, who set up chess pieces to entice fellow Mavericks. The president of Maverick Chess Club said he has enjoyed playing since he was a little kid and is very competitive.
"What I like about chess is its honesty," said Humphreys, who is in a dual-degree program earning an MBA and a Master of Science in information systems. "What happens on the chess board is not luck. It's you and your brain problem solving."
Activity Fair Day is a prime opportunity for students to meet face to face with an array of campus and community resources, with 250 tables hosted by various student organizations, campus departments and off-campus vendors. The Maverick Stampede event celebrated its 40th year in 2021.
"It really showcases the diversity of the University," said Drew Barfield, assistant director for member services and technology with Campus Recreation. "There's so many different cultures, interests and activities represented at this event that a student who is looking to get involved is sure to find their place."
Students perused long lines of tables, including ones staffed by the UTA Ambassadors and the UT Arlington Kendo Club, offering demonstrations with a shinai, a Japanese sword made of bamboo used for practice and competition in kendo.
The Campus Cat Coalition at UTA is a volunteer group with a goal of providing care to feral cats on campus. Its president Maria Luisa Cardenas, a UTA junior studying French and biology, said she is interested in becoming a veterinarian. Surprisingly, Cardenas said she first became involved with the Campus Cat Coalition when she was considering getting a dog.
"I realized that, as a student, I don't have a lot of money, and what if I couldn't take care of the animal properly?" she said.
The group does more than care for cats on UTA's campus. Members also get together to play video games and do community service projects like picking up trash.
Julia Clark, a student development specialist in the Office of Student Organizations, said her favorite part of the Activity Fair every semester is seeing UTA groups sharing what they are passionate about with their peers.
"It's a great opportunity for students to start or enhance their co-curricular involvement journey and meet fellow Mavericks as we begin a new year," said Clark. "UTA's organizations create such a vibrant experience for students on campus, and we're excited for students to have the opportunity to engage more in-person once again."
