As part of Welcome Week, the Spring Involvement Festival on Jan. 23 featured representatives from clubs and the community.  The representatives who set up booths in the fireside room brought gifts such as candy, pens, and information on what their group is about.

One club that planted itself outside was the Agriculture Club. “Some of us work in the community,” Elka Desjarian, vice president of AG club, said that they do it, “purely voluntarily.” Aside from working in the community the club had speakers that come and talk about agriculture. Aliya Khan, the AG Club ICC representative said that, “anybody that isn’t involved in agriculture is welcomed.” The first half-hour of their meetings are dedicated to socializing. The meetings take place on the first and third Tuesdays in the Agriculture Unit at 4 p.m.

The Office of Student Life was also present. BCSGA President Dezi von Manos endorsed the festival as something that, “is definitely needed spring or fall so that way students are aware what is offered both on campus and the community.” Christopher Cruz, the director of the festival, said that “we want people who have a heart to represent the college.”

Local business Chain Cohn Stiles sent Jorge Barrientos to talk about the partnership that the law firm and Bakersfield College have. The perks of their relationship include free legal consultation, and discounted rates. “We get a few calls a month from students and staff,” said Barrientos, who added, “if anything does happen to you, we are here to help.”

Not only were the free goodies there and brochures about the perks. The event also brought awareness about Walk MADD. MADD is Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the walk is to raise money for the victims of driving accidents.

The theme of the event was togetherness.  Other attendees included the Anime Club, who recently started to watch anime together; Kern Federal Credit Union, who wants to help the ‘struggling student;” and the students Beatrice Toy and Brooks Onley who are going to utilize the information that they received from the business.