Psychology Department cub reporter, N. Cognito, filed this report from the field…
PSI CHI and Psych Club Sponsor BBQ for Students and Faculty
Gray skies and chilly temps did not discourage students and faculty from joining Psi Chi and Psych Club members for lunch in the lobby of Cherry Hall on Friday September 16th. Senior Psych major Jairrah Mansfield and Juniors Kristina Trost and Viola Kleiser came by for some of the Jack Stack spread, and chatted with yours truly. They report their semester to be “busy but really good”! Senior Rodney Fritz was in the mix as well, and he admitted a serious interest in the bbq
Alyx Howard, sophomore Psych major was there with her friend Nikki Langland. Nikki is undecided yet about her major, but is interested in psych and criminal justice. They are both transfers from William Jewel College, and came to UMKC in search of great Psychology Department. This reporter believes they found it !
Senior Psych major Amanda Duplissie stopped by to take advantage of the opportunity to socialize. Judging from the din in the lobby, there was plenty of socializing going on! Amanda is interested in pursuing graduate work in counseling psychology after she receives her undergraduate degree.
Rob Hanson and Devon Gorajewski braved the cooler temperatures and sat outside on the front porch. Rob is a transfer from Rockhurst; his interests have morphed from business and marketing to industrial/organizational psychology. Devon is interested in pursuing a career in clinical psychology. They reported extrinsic motivations for attending the bbq, including the food of course, and some extra credit points for a Psych class. Whatever it takes, glad to have them around!
Freshman Crystal Williams stopped by to see what the Psych Department is all about, and to find ways to get involved in student activities. She’s interested in Psychology and Communication Studies and would like to pursue positive psychology. Welcome Crystal!
An extended conversation between this reporter and Angela Gutierrez, a psychology upperclassman, revealed the varied backgrounds and interests of our students. Angela has an architecture degree from Cornell University, and worked in that field for several years after obtaining her degree. However, architecture didn’t turn out to be as personally rewarding as she had hoped, so she’s pursuing a degree in psychology and plans to go into clinical psychology. We discussed the creative process that psychology and architecture might have in common, and the importance of finding a career that you can love. Heady stuff !
All in all, the event was a great success. Close to 100 undergraduate and graduate students attended, along with several faculty members. The event was planned by Psi Chi President Melanie Somogie and Treasurer Komal Dasani, along with faculty advisor Dr. Kym Bennett. Also instrumental on the day of the event were Daniel Folk (Psych Club President) and Kristen Epping-Flanery (Psychology Student Ambassadors). Funding for the event was provided by the Psychology Department and by Psi Chi. Psi Chi’s funding came from the Student Activity Fee Council, awarded based on a successful application to that Council.
Congratulations to all !
