SpringFest has returned. The annual Plano Campus end-of-spring semester celebration drew about 1,250 students, faculty, and staff to the quad on April 27 to enjoy games, food, music, and prizes.

About 25 tables dotted the walkways between the Plano Campus atrium and the library, offering games, activities, and information on student groups and areas of study. Participants created crafts, answered trivia questions, played carnival games, and used giant dice as prompts to develop their own stories, all while dance and music students and a magician provided musical accompaniment.

The assembled crowd ate complementary barbecue and shaved ice treats. Participants won candy and prizes as they learned more about the college around them.

“I came out to meet new people and engage more with what Collin has to offer,” said Marlene Silva, a sophomore studying environmental science. “It’s nice. Everybody is pretty friendly and welcoming.”

Silva was excited to see information on financial literacy classes.

“I didn't know they had all of these great classes,” Silva said. “I’ve been at Collin for three years, and this is my first time (at SpringFest).”

The event has been canceled for the last two years due to concerns over COVID-19. The return to normalcy was a welcome escape for many students and educators.

“I think this is a great thing to offer at this time in the semester,” said Dr. Mary Barnes-Tilley, Plano Campus provost. “We’re about to go into finals, and it just gives students the chance to relax and enjoy a little time outside with their classmates. It is exactly what we need.

“This is what we want to see on a college campus.”

She noted that when students are provided with opportunities to engage in college life, they tend to stay with the college longer and perform better in classes. The feeling that they belong boosts their connection with the college and buoys their hopes of completion.

“I love stuff like this,” Dr. Barnes-Tilley said. “It is definitely a highlight of my job.”