Senior Kelly Pierce was a little out of place among freshmen Tuesday.

“This is pretty freakin’ awesome!” the management major said on the South Quad. “I’m a senior and this is the first time I’ve ever been to this, which is kind of sad.”

Pierce was referring to Pantherpalooza, the yearly fair sponsored by the Student Government, where student organizations offer tables that form a maze of information for students to peruse and decide which student organizations they’d like to join.

“Pantherpalooza is a great opportunity for Registered Student Organizations to get their names out and for students to get involved,” said junior chemistry major Rebecca Grove.

The Chemistry Club moved into Pantherpalooza for the first time this year and brought some interesting experiments with them by demonstrating small chemical reactions.

Some students have been attending Eastern for years and this is their first time attending Pantherpalooza.

“It’s neat,” said freshman Megan Phipps. “All of these different organizations, and it’s fun to learn about all of the things I’m interested in.”

Students went from booth to booth learning about any RSO on display. While walking along, students were called to certain booths to hear about that organization.

“It’s really cool to see all of the organizations around campus because a lot of students don’t know all of the options at EIU as far as student groups go,” said Katie Rufener, a sophomore communication studies major.

Several booths offered little items representing their groups. Candy, soda and toys were given away as well as a 27-inch flat-screen television from the Student Government.

“Pantherpalooza was set up by the Student Government to show school spirit,” said Student Senate member Paul Reid.

Greek Life was also represented at Pantherpalooza.

“It’s important for all of the student organizations to come together to show support and unity,” said Lucy Djulabic, a representative for Zeta Phi Beta

University Board was also in attendance.

“Eastern wouldn’t be the same without RSOs,” said UB Chair Melissa Schaefer. “Pantherpalooza provides that opportunity and UB encourages students to giddy up for entertainment.”

While temperatures reached the 90s, the fair remanded crowded with students, faculty and staff getting information on the RSOs.

Olivia Polinski, a freshmen music education major, Sarah Friestad, a freshman early childhood major, gather information from Lesa Amacher, a Colleges Against Cancer staff partner, Tuesday at Patherpalooza in the South Quad.

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