By Walter Ryce

The new CSUMB tradition of Otter Thursday kicked off Feb. 2 this year as a mini festival to raise school spirit, promote campus programs and athletics home games, and infuse some fun into the campus. 

Since its inception, it’s taken place in the courtyard of the Otter Student Union, noon to 1:15 p.m. Thursdays, enticing students with games, music, food and drink, and swag. 

Monte the mascot has taken selfies with folks, student-athletes have interacted with the crowd to bolster attention and attendance at their games, reps from the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Sustainability have come to talk about reducing waste. 

Jeff Rensel, OSU director, said that it’s been exciting to witness the event’s growth over the course of one semester — from 70-80 people per event in February, to an average of 120-130 people in April. 

“The weekly events held outside of the OSU have been full of energy, excitement, and school spirit,” Rensel said. “It’s been exciting to see and be involved in.”

The latest one, which happened May 4 – “May the Fourth (Force) be with you” – was designated as Star Wars Day. 

Members of the San Francisco-based “Star Wars” cosplay nonprofit group Golden Gate Garrison attended in costume, posing for pictures with students who had similarly commemorated the day with Star Wars paraphernalia, including lightsabers. 

CSUMB’s Otter Media interviewed attendees and participants and streamed the video, while the OSU AV/Tech Team played “Star Wars” music. 

The entertainment draw was augmented by campus groups tabling and sharing giveaways and information. University Corporation doled out 150 root beer floats, and the Personal Growth and Counseling Center promoted maternal mental health. 

Samreen Kaur, a member of the South Asian Association and president of the Jakara Movement Chapter, occupied a table and shared information about both groups.

“Both groups offer a safe space, voice and are building community for Sikh and South Asian students on campus,” Kaur said. About the theme, she said, “It’s been exciting to see a lot of students from different backgrounds come together over Star Wars.”

By chance, hundreds of middle school students from Gavilan, Milpitas, and Salinas — many of them first-generation immigrants and English language learners — were on campus for tours, in an effort to plant the notion of someday attending college. They enjoyed the “Star Wars” theme and added to the lively atmosphere. 

Otter Thursday is officially over for this semester, but it’s been a hit and there’s more to come. 

“With the success of our spring semester and today's themed event, there may be other themes added to future Otter Thursday programs,” Rensel said.