CAB gives the community a lift

The Campus Activity Board, commonly known as CAB, plans events for students by students. Some of the most popular events include May the Fourth, Hawkwarts and volleyball. Whether it’s a movie, a dance or pop culture themed events, all CAB sponsored events are free to students and planned with them in mind.

CAB is a student organization that was created to help bring community to the university during i

ts transition to becoming a four-year school.

“A lot of people complained that there wasn’t really anything to do on campus at UHCL, and CAB has really become an outlet for all students to take a break from their classes and just have fun for a while!” said Izuh Ikpeama, pre-pharmacy major and a member of CAB.

In an effort to appeal to all students, CAB created committees with special interest points including entertainment, recreation, traditions and education. These subgroups each plan events that help to foster the growth of community on campus.

Mayakla Ellis, human resource management major, is the current President of CAB. She was part of the first freshman class at UHCL and was commissioned by the Student Life Office during the Spring 2016 semester to help create the club.

“This school is very untraditional, and I love it,” Ellis said. “But coming here also meant that I felt like I was missing that [college life] experience a little bit.”

Ellis and a core group of students worked together to form the Campus Activity Board. Since Spring 2016, CAB has grown to become a staple on the UHCL campus. CAB enlists about 20 officers who meet regularly to plan events to bring to campus.

CAB’s first volleyball game held at the end of the Fall 2016 semester brought students and faculty together to enjoy a recreational pastime. Its popularity has driven CAB to plan many more volleyball events for Spring 2017.

“I love CAB because it’s a great step in the process of creating culture among the student body.” said Justin Murphy, communication major and a member of CAB. “Our events are original, creative and planned with the intention of everyone having fun!”

Katelynn Rivardo, sophomore, is the secretary of CAB, and she finds fun in the mundane, minutes, attendance and other details. She is one of the organization’s founding members. She enjoys getting to know people and working as a team to execute events.

“We are creating traditions on campus,” Rivardo said.

CAB is a fast growing student organization that intends to become a near essential part of campus life for students.

CAB’s latest event, Tru Blu 4 U, was held in the Garden Room Feb. 14, in celebration of Valentine’s day. Students who attended participated in cookie decorating, the creation of Valentine’s Day cards, candy stations and a raffle. Tru Blu 4 U was CAB’s first execution of a traditional event, an event that is celebrated year after year. The Student Life Office passed down the traditional events they hosted each year to CAB. The traditions committee in CAB will now be responsible for all events the Student Life Office used to host including Hunt with Hunter and Go Texan Day.

Ellis encourages all students to follow them on social media saying, “For the most updated information, social media is the best way to keep up with CAB.” Their handle for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Snapchat is @uhclcab.

Rivardo relayed that there is always a need for new members.

“The more people we have, the better and bigger events we can put on; we always are wanting new members,” Rivardo said.

For more information about CAB or how to join, students can contact the Student Life Office located on the first floor of the Student Services and Classroom Building room 1.204.