Student Activities & Engagement Makes April One for the Books
Building a More Connected Campus
April was a standout month for the Office of Student Activities & Engagement (SAE) at Saint Mary's College of California, as student participation continued growing across campus events and weekend programming. Student engagement increased by 4% from March, while average event attendance rose by 25%, reflecting a growing culture of connection and involvement at Saint Mary’s.
"I believe SAE events help bring people together. For me, they help me stay involved and connect with others." - Veronika Fisina '29
Students Creating Community
More than 15 of 40 student organizations helped shape campus life throughout the month through events centered on culture, belonging, and community.
Programs supported through the Associated Student's Weekend Program Fund included MENA Mixer, Gael Sisterhood and Residential Housing Association's Y2K Dance, and Baile Folklórico Guadalupano's Lotería Night.
Hosted by the Middle Eastern North African Club in collaboration with Belly Dancing Club, the MENA Mixer celebrated Arab American Heritage Month through music, dancing, mint lemonade, shawarma, and bracelet-making activities that highlighted cultural traditions while helping students connect and unwind before finals.
The Y2K Dance, hosted by Gael Sisterhood and the Residence Hall Association, transformed campus into an early-2000s themed celebration featuring music, dancing, crafts, and late-night snacks. The event created a welcoming and energetic environment where students could relax, meet new people, and build community together.
Meanwhile, Baile Folklórico Guadalupano brought students together through Lotería Night, a cultural event that celebrated Mexican traditions through games, food, and shared storytelling. The evening created space for cultural pride, learning, and meaningful student connection.
SAE Events Bring Students Together
SAE also hosted several campus-wide programs throughout April, including Late Night Café, Karaoke Night, and the debut of Pho Night.
Now in its third iteration, Late Night Café continued growing as a student-centered initiative focused on wellness, academic success, and connection. Hosted across multiple campus spaces, the April event saw a 23% increase in attendance from March and a 65% increase since its launch in February, reflecting strong student interest in accessible, low-stimulation programming. “It [Late Night Café] encouraged me to participate more in campus events because of the community experience,” shared Luna Delgado ’29. “It’s amazing to be able to spend time with peers and feel less stressed.”
SAE also partnered with Theatre Club to host Karaoke Night in the Pub, creating a fun and welcoming environment where students could express themselves creatively, perform with friends, and build community through music and entertainment.
Pho Night, an early celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, welcomed more than 160 students through a collaboration with Asian Pacific American Student Association (APASA), Korean Pop Culture Club (KPoP), Japanese Pop Culture Club (JPoP), and Southern Asian Society (SAS). The event combined cultural celebration, Vietnamese cuisine, and community-building in one of SAE’s most successful first-time programs of the semester.
Leadership in Action
April also marked the conclusion of the 2026–2027 Associated Students Elections, with all available positions filled for the first time since 2011. Incoming AS President Kiana Paredes '29 shared excitement about continuing to represent and support the student body alongside the newly elected leadership team. Kiana stated, "I am so excited to work with this year's Senate along with our future Vice President of Admin, Hannah Parkinson who I ran alongside. Our team is ready to take on whatever the year brings and we are excited to represent our Student Body!"
Through student-led programming, cultural celebrations, and leadership opportunities, SAE continues helping students build friendships, find belonging, and shape campus life at Saint Mary’s.
