Fandom can strengthen college communities
Participation in shared-interest activities
supports social development and learning
By Brandon Drumheller
Knightly News Reporter
Small colleges like Central Penn thrive on inclusive community and passion shared through experiences, and not massive stadiums, televised games or big campuses.
Sports fandom plays a major role in college culture. Fandom is enthusiasm, collective interest and emotional connection people gather around for a topic or activity. It includes support and active participation.
“Rallying around a sport for nonathletes can create social opportunities and community-building opportunities that they may not find elsewhere,” Amanda Stuckey, associate professor of humanities, said.
People come to Central Penn for many reasons. Earning a degree is one. Connecting with professors is another. Still another reason is to meet peers. They also come to Central Penn to play and to support sports.
Sports fandom—and other types of fandom—can help students find ways to build friendships, express themselves and strengthen campus culture, all of which gives them a sense of belonging.
Jared Rife, Central Penn associate provost and assistant professor of humanities, said the bleachers and the fans are the “hidden curriculum” at our college.
All levels of social hierarchies are thrown out the window so everyone can pull for a common goal while participating in the supportive environment that defines Central Penn fandom.
“It makes me feel engaged with the campus, and hopefully, the students playing on the teams feel a sense of support by having more people in the stands,” student Alex Foley said.
Someone who attends a game may feel more outgoing and attend a movie night or volunteer to help with campus projects.
Knightly News photo
Not only could attending sports events benefit the attendee, but it supports athletes by showing up to cheer them on.
Central Penn baseball player Tyler Haynes can relate.
“(That) helps me a lot, especially when I am struggling athletically,” Haynes said. “It helps me remember there are people that support me on campus.”
Fandom is more than entertainment, though. Supporting athletes and others in a fandom community, for example, translates positively to the classroom. It can serve as a social environment where people can build lasting friendships and have opportunities to connect with others.
Comment or story idea? Contact [email protected].
Edited by media-club co-adviser and Knightly News blog editor Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.
