Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Finding community at CVTC
Students join clubs, play sports at technical college
Students at Chippewa Valley Technical College who want to get involved outside of class have found a community in the College’s clubs and organizations. By getting involved on campus, students can make the most out of their time at CVTC, said Erin Hazen, Student Clubs & Leadership Coordinator.
“Student Life builds campus community by engaging students through opportunities outside the classroom to enhance their personal and professional development,” she said.
Below are a few clubs that continue to build solid communities at CVTC.
Horticulture Club
Sean VanderWaal, Landscape, Plant, & Turf Management Instructor, said his students don’t have to join the club, but most do. The club builds a strong community of students and eventually alumni. “My first- and second-year students, even though they are separate cohorts, they all become very close, which is nice,” he said. “I pick three leaders every year, and they run the club.” The Club’s objectives include building community, fundraising so students can attend workshops and conferences to gain more knowledge, and giving back. Students in the Club prepare for fundraisers like the popular Spring Plant Sale this month. They also volunteer by planting trees on campus to celebrate Arbor Day. They also grow fruits and vegetables to donate to the student food pantry. “
Arts & Entertainment Club
The Arts & Entertainment club isn’t connected to any one program at CVTC. It is an all-inclusive program that is meant to bring students together. Adrien Bernal, Graphic Design program student, said he joined the club after starting his first semester of classes because he wanted to make connections. He said students in the group share their interests and that leads the club and its members. “Some semesters we’re really into tabletop games. Other semesters it’s anime. Sometimes it’s a lot of arts and crafts,” Bernal said. “Now the focus is just trying to juggle those three areas and make sure there’s always something for everyone.” The Club typically meets once a week and is an outlet for students. “It’s meant to be a safe, inclusive space,” Bernal said.
Educators United Club
Valerie Mattson and Spencer Hayes, students in the Foundation of Teacher Education program, said students from any programs at CVTC are welcome in the Club. “Our club ismade up of a multitude of different people – even people who just like helping or learning more can join our club,” Mattson said. The goals of the Club surround learning and volunteering. The group often plans Trunk or Treat and literacy events as well as parent nights. The Club also hosts fundraising events like selling popcorn to students and College colleagues. Hayes, 20, said the Club helps him be involved in college aside from learning in class. His goal is to become a high school special education teacher. The Club brings speakers in and opportunities for additional education, which has been helpful for Hayes, he said.
