New and current students at Southwestern Michigan College will again have the opportunity to learn more about opportunities on campus and in the community, while having a bit of fun on the side.

SMC’s spring Campus Bash will be held outside the Dowagiac campus’ Student Activity Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 16. A number of area businesses, organizations and college clubs have already signed up for the event, in which they will set up tables with information, involvement opportunities and promotional items for visiting students.

“The Campus Bash helps students get connected with student organizations and helps them find involvement opportunities,” said Shawn Rawson, the event’s organizer.

Held twice a year, Campus Bash was started more than a decade ago to give local businesses and clubs a venue to promote themselves to the SMC population, Rawson said. She said previous campus bashes have drawn crowds as large as 1,000.

“It’s one of the most well-attended student activities we have,” Rawson said. “We always gain a lot of traction from students.”

Campus Bash organizers have other surprises in store for visitors this year, including free food and beverages, variety acts and music provided by a guest DJ.

“It’s basically a huge party,” Rawson said.

New to this year’s bash is a 20-foot stunt jump platform, which students can vault off, landing on a giant inflatable cushion below.

This year, the bash has seen more signups from local businesses than ever before, Rawson said. Some of the organizations that will be participating this year include Sew Can You Fashion Design School, the Cass County COA and the United Way.

The number of participating businesses reflects the increased cooperation between the city and the college in recent years, after the two worked together to bring the Dowagiac Area History Museum to its new home downtown, Rawson said.

“I’ve lived in Dowagiac all my life, so I get excited about the fact that so many local businesses are getting involved with the college,” Rawson said. “The college is a big time entity in Dowagiac, and it’s great to see us working together with the community to get students more involved.”

Whether or not students decide to sign up for a new club or learn more about volunteer positions with organizations such as the Salvation Army, the amount of activities and the sheer size of the crowd makes the event worth checking out, Rawson said.

“If you’re looking for an opportunity for some fun and want to learn how to get connected with the community and the college, and you want a free bite to eat as well, please come out to the bash,” Rawson said.

Businesses interested in participating in this year’s Campus Bash can reserve a table by emailing Rawson at srawson01@swmich.edu with the following information:

• Name

• Club/Organization/Business name

• Phone Number

• Email

• Any special considerations (i.e. power outlets, specific circuit, need to be away from sound, more than one table, water, etc.)