Wharton clubs hold annual 'Activities Day'

In an effort to increase exposure and lure new members, the presidents of various Wharton clubs held the Wharton Activities Day in the downstairs lobby of Steinberg-Dietrich Hall yesterday. The event, which was co-sponsored by Wharton USA, Wharton Leadership Council and Wharton Activities Council, was held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Wharton Activities Day provides an opportunity for students, especially freshmen, to get acquainted with clubs and programs, said Wharton Student Association member Christian Coli. "It is intended mostly for freshmen because they are the least knowledgeable about the Wharton School," the Wharton junior said. "New members are usually freshmen because club presidents are looking for continued involvement." Although student groups often set up tables on Locust Walk to attract new members, Wharton Activities Day was held separately in order to focus attention on Wharton Clubs only, said Wharton Leadership Council member David Lapter. "What we have seen in the past is that a Locust Walk day doesn't give us a chance to meet students who are interested in Wharton extra-curricular activities," he said. "We hope that such an activity will spark initiative to get students more involved in Wharton clubs." And with increased organization, event planners said this year's Wharton Activities Day was able to provide more convenient services for interested students. "In the past we did not handle it well and it was a shamble," Coli said. "This year it was organized in a more coherent pattern. We have had it planned for two weeks now." Wharton junior and Black Wharton Undergraduates member Beverly Ross said the Activities Day was a success. "There were a lot of students coming through," she said. "This day gives us exposure to students and an opportunity to answer questions one on one." During yesterday's event, students said the Wharton Activities Day was both convenient and informative. "It was very easy to drop by after class," said Wharton freshman Paul Filipinas. "This was not cluttered among other fairs on Locust Walk and everything was Wharton related." Students had many clubs to chose from at yesterday's event, including Wharton Women, Two Shades of Green, Awareness of International Markets, Wharton Undergraduate Accounting Society, Wharton Journal and the Pennsylvania Investment Alliance. Although the Wharton Activities Day was held in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall, presidents of the clubs said they are also interested in non-Wharton members. "The fair is held in Wharton, but all students involved do not have to be from Wharton," Lapter said. "I am the president of the Wharton Management club and I encourage College students to get involved because they have great input."