HawkInteractive hosted a Halloween Kickback event, co-sponsored by CommWorks, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Hawk TV, WMCX, and “The Outlook,” in the Plangere Center for Communication Lobby on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
HawkInteractive is a student-run interactive, digital media club that focuses on 3D printing, graphic design, app design, and more. Jefferson Gonzalez serves as the current President of HawkInteractive, and he and other members of the club planned this event to ensure a fun and relaxing event for everyone involved. Gonzalez shared, “Planning the event took a team effort, including brainstorming fun, relaxing activities and organizing logistics to ensure everything ran smoothly. From setting up a cozy, festive atmosphere to providing materials for arts and crafts, our goal was to make it an enjoyable event. Collaborating with other clubs also added unique ideas and helped foster a welcoming community for everyone.”
The event commenced at 3 p.m. and featured music, candy, and a variety of activities such as friendship bracelet making, mask painting, and specialty cup decorating for all students to enjoy.
PRSSA, one of the student-run organizations that co-sponsored the event, provided Halloween-themed beads and strings to make friendship bracelets. Ashley Schumacher, Co-President of PRSSA, said, “[The friendship bracelets] added a fun touch to the event. It was a great opportunity for us to connect with other students, network with potential members, and share what our club is all about.”
WMCX, another co-sponsor of the event, supplied buckets of candy. Sarah Eidelman, a senior communication student who represented WMCX at the event, said, “I think it’s really important for students to attend these events because it’s a great way for us to bond and have fun with each other outside of the classroom and away from our work and responsibilities.”
Taylor Memoli, Editor-in-Chief, and Bailey Fredericks, Managing Editor, attended the
event on behalf of “The Outlook” and brought glass tumbler cups and spooky stickers to decorate them. Memoli explained, “We had a blast! It was great to talk to other clubs who share the same building as us and learn more about other organizations and their upcoming events.”
Students in all different concentrations and clubs across the communication department attended the event, which exceeded expectations according to Gonzalez. He added, “It was fantastic to see students enjoying themselves, getting creative, and relaxing with friends. It was especially rewarding to see people connecting with friends from different clubs. The positive feedback confirmed that events like this are valued by the student community.”
Bridget Capano, a senior communication student who attended the event to represent CommWorks, corroborated this feedback. She said, “[The Kickback] was a great opportunity to de-stress and interact with people I wouldn’t normally see during club hours. I loved being able to create without having the pressure of needing a perfect finished product.”
Gonzalez concluded, “Events like the Halloween Kickback provide students with a break from academic stress and a chance to connect in a laid-back, enjoyable setting. For students who, like me, are passionate about multiple things in the communication department, it’s tough when club meetings overlap, and we can’t attend everything. Events like these allow us to bring students from different clubs together, fostering a strong sense of community and giving everyone a chance to unwind and build friendships across different interests.”
