Western Michigan University’s Multicultural Affairs for Students hosted their “Vibesfest” event on April 14 in the Student Center ballroom.
The event was a collaboration between multiple Registered Student Organizations, such as Bronco Adoptees United, Black Student Union, Latino Student Alliance, and more.
Featuring music, food, and activities, “Vibesfest” served as a way for students to celebrate the end of the semester and come together with students from other cultures.
“We have a photo booth here, we have tons of prizes, and it’s just a way for students to all come together,” said Noemi Mendez, a navigation specialist at Multicultural Affairs. “We all serve different populations, and we wanted all of them to come together in one space, so it’s just a fun hangout for everybody.”
Tim Smolenski, a navigation specialist at Multicultural Affairs, had similar goals for the event.
“We wanted to create a positive and fun environment for the students who are graduating, but also for the students that are celebrating the end of the semester,” Smolenski said.
WMU students enjoyed the activities and meal choices.
“The photo booth was super fun, and the food is amazing,” said Maritza Hurtado, a WMU student.
The event allowed students from a variety of backgrounds to come together and celebrate the end of the year as a collective, according to WMU student Garcia Gomez.
“I think what’s special about events like these is that it brings the community together, and it’s overall a really fun event,” Gomez said.
Smolenski believes that WMU should have more events that give students a chance to celebrate their successes.
“I just think that the students who work so hard inside and outside the classroom need to have a space where they can have some fun and not necessarily be ‘on’ all the time,” Smolenski said.
Mendez emphasized the importance of community and culture to each individual.
“Having something to resonate with students, whether it’s finding food from their culture, music from their culture, or just a piece of them and their culture and their home on campus is really important,” Mendez said. “Especially representation within our staff, having them find a space and staff that are here to specifically support them.”
For more information on Multicultural Affairs for Students and upcoming events, visit their Instagram page: @wmu_multicultural.
