Al Fresco is the Party of the Year
- October 4, 2005
By Terry Peppin, Advisor
Student Life and Leadership Programs
If Cal State East Bay students, faculty, staff and alumni are not growing excited in anticipation of this year's al Fresco -- which happens Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University Amphitheatre -- they should be.
The 17th annual fall welcome back festival for the campus community will feature fun, food, entertainment and the biggest, best information fair since... well, last year's al Fresco.
"If students are curious about the flavor of CSU, they should come get a taste of culture, family, music and opportunity at al Fresco," said Vanesh Chanana, senior and president of Rhyme and Reason Poetry Club. "They might arrive hungry, but they'll leave informed and satisfied."
It only happens once each year, and it's the only time everyone gets to see all Cal State East Bay has to offer in one place on one day. Lining the Amphitheatre will be 100 tables of CSUEB departments, student organizations, and student services.
At the tables, along with wonderful, friendly people handing out literature and talking about their various programs, members of the campus community will find all kinds of giveaways, from first-aid kits to key chains, candy to baseball caps, and tons of pens, pads, and post-its.
Cal State East Bay alumna Aura San Miguel (Mass Communication, '04), one of the founding sisters of Delta Omicron Chi sorority who was here visiting her "little sisters," said students enjoy al Fresco as a way to "kick off a new school year because it's fun, it's entertaining, and it's free!"
Faculty and staff members at Cal State East Bay seem to have just as much fun as students at al Fresco.
"Al Fresco is one of my favorite events," said Jennifer Miranda, of Student Health Services. "There is so much excitement in the air. It is a great place to enjoy the fall sun, get a snack, and listen to music. It sets the tone for the rest of the fall quarter."
Stevina Evuleocha, professor of marketing and entrepreneurship, also makes it a point to be out at the festivities each fall.
"I love al Fresco because it reminds me of Halloween," said Evuleocha. "Students can go trick or treating, and still get very useful information about the range of services we provide here at Cal State East Bay."
Student clubs and organizations also understand al Fresco is the best recruiting opportunity of the year.
"Al Fresco is a great way to get involved and improve student life on campus," said Christopher Conde, who knows a bit about getting involved at Cal State East Bay. He's a sophomore who divides his extra-curricular time between three student organizations: Alpha Phi Omega co-educational service fraternity, Pilipino American Student Association (PASA), and the Hayward Orientation Team.
Ricardo Solis, Filipino studies major and president of PASA, calls al Fresco "a unique all-in-one event."
"It's a fun-filled, informational day," Solis said. "Students can meet faculty, staff and student organizations from various backgrounds, enjoy food and listen to wonderful music."
This years featured band is Spearhead, provided courtesy of Associated Students, Inc.
Director of Community Service Learning Mary D'Alleva spoke for many of her colleagues when she said simply, "Al Fresco makes education feels fun again."
For more information, contact Student Development and Judicial Affairs at (510) 885-3763 or Student Life and Leadership Programs at (510) 885-3657.
