EXPO: A MOMENTARY RESPITE FOR STUDENTS

by Jerry Weller

The annual EXPO and Chancellor's Picnic came to brighten the UM-St. Louis campus Wednesday. The day started out a bit cloudy, but it wasn't long before beaming faces and sunny skies appeared, as students ate, played and mingled among the blue and gold EXPO booths.

Some of the more extroverted sang to karaoke music or boxed playfully with oversized gloves. Others spun about wildly in a gyroscope-like contraption that looked like something out of a giant-child's toy box.

Most seemed content to enjoy the free food or wander from booth to booth collecting freebies and information about student organizations.

Some enjoyed the EXPO as a chance to make new friends.

"I like it because we're always stuck on South Campus, and we don't get to meet anybody," said optometry student Kathy Knobel. "I got all the free stuff and the free food."

For other students, it was a chance to learn about campus organizations.

"I think its positive; it gets people out and involved," said Brian Hake. "You come to see one booth, and you see something interesting at the next one."

Career Services Director Deborah Kettler said she was glad to see students like Hake out looking at the organizations. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy - not just to other students, but to employers as well, Kettler said.

"Employers are increasingly looking for involvement in either campus or civic activities and what role you have taken in those activities; particularly a leadership position," Kettler said.

University Program Board Adviser Don McCarty said he sees the annual EXPO as an important emerging tradition for UM-St. Louis.

"We have the feel of a new campus even though this campus is 30 years old. It's not a campus that's just steeped in tradition," McCarty said. "This is tradition, not just entertainment or an annoyance."

According to McCarty, tradition is important to universities and colleges because it helps create a bond between people.

"A tradition like this gives a sense of belonging. It's not like going to a bank or hospital or some other institution where you do your business and just leave," McCarty said. "Historically the campus has been a home away from home and thus the expression alma mater, which in Latin means alternate mother."

Sharone Hopkins, UPB director, said this event like others was an opportunity to which students should avail themselves.

"I hope students get the maximum out of the EXPO and that they use all the resources that are available," Hopkins said. "You got to have fun; that's the number one rule."