Student Activities: Behind the Scenes

Illustration by Breanna Newburn

Article by Madeline Teeter

NEWBERG, Ore. – On Jan 16, students took the Polar Plunge into Hess Creek, an annual event at George Fox University (GFU). Members of the Student Activities Team filmed participants going through the creek, including President Robin Baker, and handed out sweatshirts to those who completed the plunge. But how much work goes on behind the scenes to make such events happen?

Daphne Simmons, the student activities event assistant, explained that there are two lead departments who handle Student Activities: the Marketing Team and the Events Team. Simmons’ role is to assist in delegating tasks for events and arranging plans.

“We plan the events during the summer,” Simmons said. “We figure out the logistics, themes, and catering during the school year.” While the events are scheduled far in advance, their weekly nature means the team is always busy preparing for the next activity.

“The Polar Plunge is logistically one of the easiest events,” Simmons said. Given the consistent nature of the event each year, Simmons said that the Plunge does not require as great of effort as other events, such as the Mamma Mia dance that was held on Jan 23.

“We’ll be there hours before the event starts,” said Simmons regarding the dance. She was in charge of determining the aesthetic for the dance, as well as making and ordering décor.

“The timeline is challenging given events are every week,” Simmons said. Her work often ranges from eight to ten hours a week, although for the larger events such as the Haunted House, she can work up to 15 hours in a week. “It’s helped me with time management skills.”

Working for Student Activities also helps students to build bonds with their fellow team members. “I think the team is pretty close, especially during Welcome Weekend,” Simmons said. “It’s like a social friend group.”

The team gets together once a week for meetings to review how the most recent event went and to plan for the next. Simmons said the meetings also have room for the team members to enjoy conversation, not just on the topic of events. “It’s a time for us to bond.”

Reflecting on how working for Student Activities has challenged her, Simmons said, “It’s pushed me to be out there in front of the school; to get up on a stage and not be afraid to make a fool of myself.”

For Simmons, the most satisfying part of her work is seeing the end result. “I get the most joy being at the event and seeing everyone enjoying themselves,” she said. “I love helping make those memories for everyone and making college fun.” Simmons also said she will be continuing with Student Activities next year. “It’s the best job on campus!”

Next time there’s a Friday event, remember the work that students put in behind the scenes to make such events possible.