Autumn Fest Brings Warmth, Creativity and Connection to WSUV

Pumpkins became canvases, hot food brought students together, and an afternoon at WSUV offered something students said they needed: a chance to pause, relax and connect.

Autumn Fest brought seasonal activities to the Firstenburg Student Commons on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Hosted by the Student Activities Board (SAB) in collaboration with the Cougar International Leadership Association, the event ran from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Students painted pumpkins, decorated candles and enjoyed free food and hot chocolate while spending time with classmates and meeting new people.

For Ingrid Balanzar, a senior biology major, the appeal included familiar faces, new connections, crafts and broccoli cheddar soup. Between classes and upcoming exams, the gathering provided a welcome break.

“It’s pretty cozy,” Balanzar said.

She planned to paint a pumpkin and take it home to place by her door. The candles and decorations helped create an atmosphere where she could unwind before returning to academic responsibilities.

Johnathan Rojas, a sophomore marketing major, had a straightforward answer when asked what brought him to the event.

“The food, of course,” Rojas said.

After trying soup, bread and lemon cake, he worked on a Spider-Man pumpkin inspired by his favorite superhero. He also noticed students playing pingpong and appreciated seeing people gather around shared activities.

“Overall, I get a good sense of community,” Rojas said. “I feel like we don’t have that a lot at the school, so it’s nice to see that.”

Rojas hoped the seasonal programming would continue, saying he would look forward to a Christmas event. His interest reflected how a themed gathering could give students something to anticipate beyond their classes, while offering another reason to spend more time together on campus.

Lucas, a sophomore electrical engineering major, joined because he was nearby and enjoyed socializing. He ate mac and cheese and for his beverage stuck with water. Although he had not finalized Halloween plans, he hoped to arrange something with friends.

Ha’ani Flores, a sophomore human development major, came to socialize, hang out and take a break from classwork. She described the atmosphere as “interesting, fun and calm” and considered painting her pumpkin as the Lorax, matching her planned Halloween costume.

Flores said the gathering offered a way for students to connect whether or not they celebrated Halloween. For her, participating could be as simple as showing up and talking with others.

Kate Hall, a freshman elementary education major, found an opportunity for friendship during a stressful school week. Her friend invited her to paint pumpkins, and Hall described the event as “welcoming, cozy and relaxing.”

As a first-year student who was not affiliated with a club, Hall appreciated feeling included.

“It’s been so welcoming and so heartwarming to know that … people care,” Hall said.

She valued people asking questions about her and taking time to get to know her, making the gathering more than an afternoon of crafts.

Andiana Ziegler, a freshman psychology major, initially attended to complete a makeup assignment for a missed first-year university class. Pumpkin painting made this event an appealing choice.

She came with a friend but also chatted with people at her table, students near the paints and an event coordinator. Beyond the Commons, she appreciated the campus’s changing leaves and seasonal scenery.

“It’s been like watching a little fall movie,” Ziegler said.

River Song, a fifth-year mechanical engineering student, stopped by after overhearing someone discussing Autumn Fest. She ate soup and bread, enjoyed the atmosphere and planned to decorate a candle without a predetermined design.

“I’m gonna go freestyle,” Song said.

Mia Vo, a senior accounting major, helped the SAB on-campus event coordinators with planning for the event. Vo described submitting supply purchase requests and helping plan the date, time, location and setup.

During the gathering, she kept tea lights lit for students working on crafts and hoped to decorate a candle herself afterward. Students could also keep the mugs provided for hot chocolate.

Vo said SAB events help students meet friends outside their majors. As a student senator, she was also working on access to hot food on campus, something gatherings like Autumn Fest can help provide.

Benjamin Ryan, a senior biology major and SAB’s off-campus event coordinator, helped support and facilitate the event. He was pleased with the turnout and encouraged by students interacting with new people.

“It’s also very positive to see people … talking to new people,” Ryan said.

Ryan hoped to paint a pumpkin himself, possibly making it resemble a jack-o’-lantern. It had been a long time since he last participated in pumpkin painting.

Across majors and class years, students found different reasons to attend but shared an appreciation for the chance to connect. Whether they arrived for food, an assignment, a friend or a welcome creative break, Autumn Fest gave them space to enjoy the season together.