Students gathered on campus last week for “Lead Loud,” an event designed to connect organizations, promote student leadership and encourage networking across academic divisions.
The event, coordinated by senior Seth Bos in collaboration with the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), served as part of Bos’s senior project and focused on increasing student engagement on campus.
“This was the internal engagement portion of my project,” Bos said. “I wanted to create a better opportunity for underclassmen to get involved in student leadership so that when I leave, things are in good hands.”
“Lead Loud” brought together a variety of student organizations, giving attendees the chance to learn about opportunities both within and outside their academic areas. Representatives from different groups spoke on a panel, interacted with students, and shared information about how to get involved.
Ella McDivitt, a junior English and writing double major with a minor in history, represented the campus literary magazine, Caesura. She said she was eager to connect with students beyond her usual academic circle.
“I’m excited to just talk to people and hear about their different organizations,” McDivitt said. “I know the ones that are more related to MLL, but not so much the ones outside, so I’m really excited to connect with people outside the division.”
Event organizers emphasized the importance of collaboration and exposure to new opportunities, especially for younger students still exploring their interests.
Anna Ohashi, a sophomore involved with PRSSA, helped organize the event and assisted with logistics, including setup and refreshments. She said the event also highlighted the professional benefits of joining campus organizations.
“I’m excited for students to hear about PRSSA because I think it’s an amazing opportunity to network as professionals,” Ohashi said. “It helps students grow their career skills and find opportunities.”
Bos said the event was inspired by his own experience as an underclassman, when guidance from older students helped him find meaningful involvement on campus.
“I had a great experience when I was younger, having people suggest organizations for me,” Bos said. “I want to highlight the importance of being involved in leadership positions, especially because it’s so competitive when you graduate and enter the workforce.”
As part of a larger three-phase senior project, Bos plans to expand beyond campus with future initiatives focused on community and external engagement.
Organizers hope “Lead Loud” will become a lasting model for fostering connections and preparing students for professional success beyond college.
