Weekends have become more active in the last few semesters on EMU campus. In the fall of 2017, EMU’s ResLife established Hub, a space for students to spend their Friday and Saturday nights on campus. From events like Real Life Mario Kart to Quiplash and Quesadillas, students have been able to come together for a safe yet fun weekend alternative.
Tyler Goss, Staff Associate of Student Programs, is the creative visionary behind the social hub. “I’m in charge of creating fun times and empowering CAs to lead those fun times,” Goss said.
Goss is behind the weekly Hub names, such as Quesadillas and Quiplash, Bingo and Bagel Bites, Crepes and Capes, and Notes and Nuggets. “The recipe is food, fun, and alliterations.”
In November, Hub hosted a Peace, Love, and Donuts paint party in Common Grounds followed by games like Super Smash Brothers and a Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots tournament. The Love vs. Shove and Powdered vs. Produce night included a large number of students. Hub has grown significantly since its first year. Last year, events were hosted only in Northlawn.
This year, the events rotate to various spaces on campus, including the University Commons for events like Gaming and Guac and the Art Center for Crafting and Cookies. Residence Life staff has seen an increase in student turnout.
“Almost all the times I’ve been on duty there’s been at least 20 people at one point. For EMU, on a weekend night, when it’s not a specific CAC or flagship event, that’s pretty impressive,” junior Abigail Shelly said.
“Hub in the previous year had just been CAs and a friend or two that showed up,” Goss added.
The Campus Activities Council (CAC) has been instrumental in increasing the scope of Hub activities. Senior Beck Hoskins noted that Hub has become a space in which students from CAC and CAs can overlap.
Residence Director Scott Eyre brought the idea of Hub to the ResLife team several years ago. The original vision for the project has always been lofty.
“To be a Christian university we have the challenge of how to put on a fun event and how to tap into something that’s deeper and more meaningful,” he said.
For junior Yoel Bobadilla, this intention has been fully realized. He attends Hub events every weekend and appreciates the thoughtfulness of each event. “RDs and CAs put so much time and effort into these events,” Bobadilla says. “They’re all fun events. [And] winning stuff is a great thing!”
