Sample Canton Brings in Crowd as Students Connect With the Community.
Culver-Stockton College hosted its 23rd annual “Sample Canton” event in Meaders Lounge on Wednesday, September 18th.
The event invites local businesses and groups to come to the Culver-Stockton campus and show students what they are all about. Organizations at the event varied from Big O’s Eats and Treats, a still young startup by owner Odie Cook, to Canton Christian Church and U.S. Cellular.
Throughout the 2-hour event, student attendance was constant and very rarely was there an empty table. Businesses came prepared with an assortment of pamphlets and goodies ranging from food samples from U.S. Wellness Meats to a tote bag filled with wristbands, water bottles, and phone holding armbands from Blessing Health Care: all for students to take and enjoy. However, beyond the items being given away many of the organizations also offered deals for students such as Blessing Health Care’s student health insurance; that offers full coverage for students at any Blessing Clinic for a flat rate of $75, and U.S. Cellular’s $600 dollars for students that switch from their current provider.
Culver-Stockton’s Director of Student Engagement, Bill Boxdorfer, says that to him Sample Canton, “Allows students to get a taste of what all the city of Canton can offer. Culver-Stockton and Canton go hand-in-hand and allowing students and organizations to interact with each other is a great way to continue to build the community.”
Beyond community building, Boxdorfer also believes that this event can “Provide opportunities to students that may be looking for jobs, as well as students that have a religious background and want to continue to pursue their faith at one of the many local churches while studying at Culver.”
Overall, Boxdorfer considers the event a huge success and a great tool to help build the community both on and off campus. The office of student life expects the event to only grow larger and be around for many more years to come.
