More than 100 student and nonstudent organizations swarmed the South Quad on Wednesday for the Fall 2012 Pantherpalooza.

The Student Senate’s annual gathering of Eastern’s diverse groups attracted 127 different registered student organizations, as well as new and returning students.

Michael Hicks, a freshman communication studies major, said he liked that this event took place because it was easier to see what the campus had to offer.

“I’m a freshman, so I don’t know much,” Hicks said.

He said the fair introduced him to some things that will help him explore his interests and possibly join some organizations.

Along with new students, there were also some newer RSOs, like the EIU Council on Family Relations.

Dana Tell, the president of the EIU Council on Family Relations, said they wanted to expand their group and let students know that they exist.

“Our organization helps those that are in the family and consumer sciences major be able to develop well-rounded relationships and have a good opportunity to join the workforce,” Tell said.

Tell, a senior family and consumer sciences major, said they had about 30 people sign up or ask for information.

Jenna Mitchell, student vice president for student affairs, said she thought the student and organization turnout was a success with bringing hundreds of Eastern community members to the South Quad.

Mitchell, a senior political sciences major, said she hopes new students enjoyed the gathering.

“I thought it was really beneficial to new students and transfer students because they were really getting themselves out there and getting involved right away,” Mitchell said.

She said many other organizations emailed her letting her know they received a lot of interest from students.

“The best outcome from today’s event was the fact that a lot of organizations were really successful in finding new students as members,” Mitchell said.

The Best Buddies organization received more than 91 students who requested information.

Giovanna Mailhiot, the president of Best Buddies, said her organization hoped to spread awareness of their existence and let people know how much fun they have.

“It’s a good way to make new friends, join a bunch of organizations and build a resume,” Mailhiot said.

Ashley Schultz, a sophomore early childhood education major, said she attended Pantherpalooza because she wanted to find out what events were taking place on campus.

“It’s cool, you can stay in the loop on what organizations got going on and stay involved with everyone on campus,” Schultz said.

While some people came with no idea of what organizations they would be interested in, others arrived with specific targets.

Sara Conway, a junior special education major, came to the fair looking specifically for the EIU Equestrian Club/Team, but then looked at other clubs.

“I found Student Council for Exceptional Children, and since I’m going to be a special education teacher, I thought it would be a good thing to join,” Conway said.

Mitchell said her goal for the Pantherpalooza was to have the whole campus involved, and she said she thinks that goal was reached.

“I thought today, the entire campus was working together as a whole, and that is really what my goal is for this campus, unity and working together to make sure students are really getting the most out of their college education,” Mitchell said.

Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-2812 or slmcdaniel@eiu.edu.