The University of Wisconsin-Superior hosts many social events throughout the year, including the Veterans and Nontraditional Students Center Social. This event was held on Friday, Feb 7, in the Pope Center of Old Main. The social represented an opportunity to meet all of the VNSC staff, who strive to help and better the experience at VNSC, along with meeting other nontraditional students alike.
Everyone was welcome to attend the event, whether a part of the VNSC or not. Jade Jensen, circulation manager and front desk worker in the Jim Dan Hill Library, stopped by the social. Jensen said, “Gabriel is the director over there right now. So, we’ve partnered on a few things, and it’s always great to be able to support your coworker in cross-departments. And then even have the opportunity to recommend library services to people if it comes up.”
Another attendee was Isabel Miller, a student worker for the VNSC. Miller said, “I am a worker there, and we were trying to help out and promote it and get some more representation for the EDI (equality, diversity, and inclusion) out there and have fun with the workers and the people who use the area.”
The event featured different snacks and fun games like Apples to Apples or Jenga. Not only does a social provide free-bee food and game fun, but it also provides a type of pressure-free environment. Jensen said, “I feel like the importance of a social allows students and staff to meet people in a kind of no pressure like area, like sometimes attending events can be nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know anyone that’s going to be there. So, even if the idea is like, I’m going to just stop by for five minutes and snake a free sandwich. I think it’s a great way to even if you don’t know someone by name…easy way of getting connections.”
The Veterans and Nontraditional Students Center Social at the University of Wisconsin-Superior served as a valuable platform for fostering connections among students and staff. With positive feedback from participants like Jade Jensen and Isabel Miller, it is clear that such gatherings not only promote community but also enhance the overall experience for veterans and nontraditional students. Events like these are essential for building a supportive network and exemplifying the university’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The VNSC is open every weekday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. One can email them at vnsc@uwsuper.edu or give them a jingle at 715-394-8406.
