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DOWAGIAC — New and current students at Southwestern Michigan College had the opportunity to learn more about opportunities on campus and in the community, while having a bit of fun on the side.

SMC hosted its fall Campus Bash Wednesday outside the Dowagiac campus’ Student Activity Center. A number of area businesses, organizations and college clubs participated in the event by setting up tables with information, involvement opportunities and promotional items for visiting students.

“It’s an opportunity for us to bring in outside departments, outside vendors from the local Cass County community to come in and talk to students while giving them fun stuff to do,” said Interim Director of Campus Life Brandon Pompey.

One such organization was the Social Justice Alliance of Cass County, which was on hand to encourage student involvement and provide students the opportunity to register to vote. They also handed out gift cards to students. 

Since its formation in 2020, the nonprofit has aimed to provide Cass County residents with education regarding racial issues and social justice. Its statement of purpose reads: “to elevate social justice and understanding in Cass County.”

“We’ve had a good showing,” said SJAAC board member Della Bundle. “We’ve had a couple people that are interested in the alliance so we’re going to communicate with them. We’re being a presence here to let students and faculty and staff know, we’ll come here if this is what we need to do to make the connection. We’re glad to be here, It’s been a great turnout.”

The organization’s next meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Cass District Library, 319 M 62, Cassopolis.

Pompey said the event provides students with the opportunity to get involved both on campus and the greater Dowagiac community,

“They want to know the people who are running these departments on a more personal level,” Pompey said. “I think the vast majority of students  walk through some of our main buildings without ever once talking to the staff and faculty members that are here to make sure that students are being successful and they’re actually doing the things that are going to make them successful students and leaders and employees and everything that they can be here at SMC. This event in particular is a really good opportunity for students to see, meet and greet the people who are a big part of the SMC community.”